Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting burning smell from engine bay

I have been trying to figure out why there is a burning smell from the engine bay of my contour. I dont believe it happens every time I take it out, but more sporatic.

I checked all the FAQ's and this forum, and have not found any other prople reporting this issue.

Perhaps it is just:

1) Spilled oil. Maybe, but why does it happen only once in a while? I've cleaned the engine bay and yet the smell is notceable once in a while after a drive.

2) Wiring harness or other material melting because of proximity to heat. Maybe, but I have had no other symptoms, my check engine light used to come on once in a while, but everyone with a contour has had that.

3) Internal engine problem. Not likely, this engine is extremely quiet and shows no loss of power even at 200,000Km

4) My own imagination. Thanks, glad you care, but my mental health is just fine.

5) Odour misdirection. I know what clutch, brake pads and other burning components smell like, it's not them.

Opinions and help appreciated.

Its probably a small amount of oil from the pan or plug or from some other location dripping onto the exhaust pipes and burning. Hence the burning smell.
It seems to be common; a nuisance rather than a real problem.
Check the bottom of the pan. If its wet with oil, its probably the cause.

Hi,

Just to let you guys know, I found the problem.

When the oil filter was changed on my last oil change, it was not sealed properly and thus was leaking slightly under pressure (hard acceleration). Oil was dripping on to the underside of the engine, causing smoke and lots of burning smell in the passenger compartment when the fan was on.

Thanks

Just a caution; my '99 SE 2.5 had the crank case seal go out at about 50,000 miles. If you seem to be going through oil faster than normal, you might want to check it. The tell tale sign is oil residue on the lower front (passenger side)of the engine.

Hey.. i noticed oil on my engine at that area too.. could you let me know how much it costs for repair of the crank case seal??