M35 Burning Smell And Smoke?

[jackbh241]

Hi all,

Over the past week I've noticed a burning smell coming from my car. Started off as just the smell but today after pulling into the driveway I saw a bit of smoke coming from the engine (couldn't see where from specifically). Smells like either burning oil or burning clutch. Any thoughts? The only thing that has changed recently is I've been driving around without the engine under tray on (didn't get around to putting it on after the last oil change about 2 weeks ago), could that cause a problem, or cause me to notice a problem?

There is also some kind of leak coming from the drivers side front corner (near the coolant reservoir) that has been there for ages (can only tell cause the tray is dirty at that point). Not sure what it is but never seem to lose coolant so I'm guessing it's not that.

Any thoughts anyone?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks,

[PN-Mad]

Most common issue with burning oil smell is the cam covers leaking onto manifolds, and in particular around the turbo area.

Have a look for smoke / oily dampness round the rear of the engine bay passenger side.

will be fixed by replacing the seal around the cover.

[jackbh241]

Most common issue with burning oil smell is the cam covers leaking onto manifolds, and in particular around the turbo area.

Have a look for smoke / oily dampness round the rear of the engine bay passenger side.

will be fixed by replacing the seal around the cover.

Thanks for the advice. Had a look around the rear and it actually looks surprisingly dry and clean (unless I'm looking in the wrong spot). However the front and half way down the side is fairly covered in oil. Could this be the same problem? See image attached. Any thoughts would be really helpful, don't wanna be driving it if I'm causing more damage.

It has always had a bit of an oil leak somewhere as the oil level drops by a litre or two by the time I get to the 5000-7000km oil change

[PN-Mad]

Well, if you think you found it, the next step is to clean the area with degreaser, and then watch what happens and see where it's leaking from.

[scotty nm35]

The passenger rocker cover seal goes hard due to the turbo heat, it weeps down onto the turbo causing an oil smell when you put the heater on.

As the gasket seal is only $25 I would just change it, well known problem. It will take you a while to change it the first time, the plenum needs to come off.

Part No: 13270-AL612

[jackbh241]

Thanks guys, appreciate it. After having a sniff this morning it does smell like it's coming from the area you are describing so I guess I'll give it a go. There isn't any how to for this is there haha? Is it a job someone with limited mechanical experience could tackle?

[jackbh241]

Nevermind just found the guide. Thanks guys

[scotty nm35]

Just make sure the gasket doesn't fall out of it's groove as you slide it under the heater line, check with a mirror or small screwdriver before tightening the cover bolts.

[joshm35]

Just make sure the gasket doesn't fall out of it's groove as you slide it under the heater line, check with a mirror or small screwdriver before tightening the cover bolts.

add a little gasket goo so it sticks in the seam and less chance off falling out as that heater hose is a p@ick to navigate