I have a car smell question

"Denver Is Stuck In The 90s" (denver80222)
11/25/2014 at 01:12 • Filed to: veronica

My engine bay smells like burning petroleum right now. I know I'm leaking Power steering fluid and am replacing the line tomorrow. I just wanna make sure what Im smelling is power steering fluid burning and not clutch. Im still new to driving manual and I wanna make sure Im not damaging the brand new, 1k miles old clutch. Conversation continues in the comments

DISCUSSION (25)

XJDano > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 01:15

go out and drive the shit out of that truck, get on the brakes hard, get out and smell that, I imagine a clutch smells the same

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > XJDano
11/25/2014 at 01:16

Not quite, but it doesn't smell like burning gasoline either.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > XJDano
11/25/2014 at 01:17

How would you describe the smell of burning clutch? I would describe this smell as burning plastic, burning tar, burning rubber, burning vinyl, some sort of burning petroleum product. Its a very heavy smell

XJDano > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
11/25/2014 at 01:18

i have never burnt a clutch, but have had a caliper lock up and it stunk

XJDano > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 01:20

Clutch and brakes are similar friction parts. That's what I always thought. I have never burnt a clutch though.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > XJDano
11/25/2014 at 01:20

This smell is almost skunk like, It reminds me of when they repave the road on a hot day. Ive heard clutch smells like burning newspaper and this does not smell like that

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > XJDano
11/25/2014 at 01:20

Yeah, I've done both, and to me it doesn't quite smell the same.

XJDano > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 01:22

i do have leaky oil seals all over the metro that smell when engine is hot and stationary.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > XJDano
11/25/2014 at 01:22

would you describe the smell as a chemically skunky smell?

XJDano > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
11/25/2014 at 01:23

I must go burn off some clutch and take a whiff then.

XJDano > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 01:27

Yeah I guess. Since I know what it is I'm not too concerned. Spray off that engine after you swap that hose and see if it still smells.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > XJDano
11/25/2014 at 01:29

Im pretty sure its PS fluid, Im gonna wipe down the engine bay with simple green and spray it with some ozium after I replace the line. I guess I'll know tomorrow. The clutch still has tension so if I burnt the clutch, I doubt its a mortal wound

ly2v8-Brian > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 01:37

Post pictures.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > ly2v8-Brian
11/25/2014 at 01:44

Of what specifically

ly2v8-Brian > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 01:52

any areas you are concerned with.

RoadHead -- Armand > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 01:54

Denver check if any sort of tubing or wiring is touching the exhaust headers of the engine. Loose lines tend to rub against the headers and they might melt, creating a smell. That's just from my experience

RoadHead -- Armand > RoadHead -- Armand
11/25/2014 at 01:55

you're probably not damaging the clutch, I have more faith in your abilities than that

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > RoadHead -- Armand
11/25/2014 at 01:59

I'll do that tomorrow, Its too cold and dark to do it tonight. I'll update this post tomorrow, thanks for the suggestions

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > ly2v8-Brian
11/25/2014 at 01:59

I will tomorrow, Its too cold and dark to do it right now

ly2v8-Brian > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 02:02

then have a good night.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > ly2v8-Brian
11/25/2014 at 02:15

Thanks, I'll repost this tomorrow with an update and photos.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 04:50

burning clutches, ive heard descriptions of rotten eggs and i think they are close ( i have a friend that likes to ride the clutch on steep roads stops) Clutches smell ugly very ugly, but nothing near to petroleum.

The man in the iron mask > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 05:25

Here's an idea, let the truck sit tonight. Tomorrow turn on the engine bastard, and leave it running for a while in neutral. Do not drive it. if the smell is there, it isn't you burning the clutch.

if the car smells in the morning, before you turn it on, it is also NOT the clutch. because the smell only lasts while you slip the the clutch too much.

XJDano > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 07:59

Last year I replaced the transmission in metro after 1-2&3 syncros went out, I replaced clutch because I didn't know condition , still lots of life after the 100,000+ miles I personally put on it. New clutch anyway.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/25/2014 at 09:10

It's acrid and not a nice smell, unlike burnt tire.