I recently had to replace my clutch, and during the last couple of weeks with my old clutch there would be this faint burning smell from underneath my hood and could be smelled occassionally very faintly through the AC system when set on fresh air. When the clutch finally gave, the smell was awful (though i had just pushed it pretty hard ). After this, and $1000 later, i had my clutch replaced, an engine mount put on, and, importantly, an oil leak sealed from my engine. The shop said this was why my clutch gave out (the oil was getting on the clutch plate). The smell returned recently, and it appears whenever I push the car harder than usual.

I might be completely clueless, but I didn't think that clutches made smells like this? Is the oil leak still there? Am I destroying my clutch? (I am going much easier on it now)

ANY help would be appreciated!

 

flywheel, TO bearing, dead cat?

 

u kno wat, i have the same problem with the smell from the hood. My timing chain tensioner went out and then after i got that fixed, the hood started stinking up. It smells so bad in drive-thrus while waiting for ur food. It smells somewhat like rubber burning. I can't really tell but i kno it's a bad stink. if you find out wat it is then please let me know

 

Do you know what a burnt clutch smells like? Just curious, some people don't.

Does it smell even when you take it easy?

 

no, I have no idea what a burning clutch smells like... But this doesn't quite smell like burning rubber, and there is a direct correlation between how hard I drive and how much it smells. (I can usually barely smell it with my nose to the grille of the car, and even after a harder drive the smell isn't over powering (I still have to go to the hood))

 

It all kind of depends on how you drive. I can drive the hell out of my car and not burn the clutch to the point you can smell it. If you ride the clutch, keeping it partially engaged, you'll roast the hell out of it. I'd be willing to bet that the smell is your clutch. The smell of a clutch doesn't smell like rubber, it has more of a unique smell. I'd almost be willing to say it smells similar to burnt brakes. Hope this helps....

 

I don't know that this has anything to do with the smell--but make sure you dont push the car too hard while you are breaking in the new clutch!

 

I don't think I really push the clutch ouside of normal drivers of Maximas. Thanks for your help guys.

Could the smell just be the clutch breaking in?

 

Burned clutch smells like your brakes after you beat on them for a little bit