Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Burning smell at idle?

I've had my 98 tour for a couple of weeks and can't figure this out(ATX/Zetec). I've changed oil, gone all over, and under, the engine and it's clean and dry! Problem is that at idle when at running temp this burning smell enters the cabin? It's been relatively comfortable here in Arkansas the past couple of weeks so I've just been running the "vent" and it gets bad. As soon as I take off, the smell goes away and don't even smell it while the car is moving( I assume it's blowing off the engine too fast to enter the cabin?). Yesterday, I ran the a/c and didn't notice the smell though?? I've cleaned the engine twice in hopes that maybe it was gunk built up on the back side of the engine burning off or something. I've been checking the oil daily...it's not burning, nor leaking any. All fluids are in great shape??? ...any ideas??

and YES, before anyone starts flaming me.....I just realized I posted this in the wrong category!!! :rolleyes: I was in a hurry...sorry guys

suggestions

check the accessory belts. It is possible that the idler pully bearing has seized and the belt is sliding overt the pully making a burning smell.

if your engine is clean check closely around areas that if they leaked the oil would end up on the exhaust system, like the valve cover. it takes only a very small ammount of oil to make a smell.

Hey, good idea. Hadn't thought about the pulley. The exhaust was the first place I went. I'll check the pulley.

Thanks!