Burning rubber smell
10-19-2003, 09:33 PM
#1
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Burning rubber smell
I've now run almost 10,000k and am very happy with my 8. It's due to go in for service next week.
One persistent issue, and I'd like to hear from others, is a burning rubber smell from the rear of the car after long trips (to avoid a thread hijack -- no, I have not been doing burn-outs).
At first, I thought this smell (plus others) was simply part of the run in process, but since it is still around after 10,000 k makes me wonder.
Can't see anything obvious. The exhaust system does run hot and that affects the boot(trunk) temperature, too.
Mostly notice the smell after highway runs rather than around town.
Anyone else care to comment?
Timbo
One persistent issue, and I'd like to hear from others, is a burning rubber smell from the rear of the car after long trips (to avoid a thread hijack -- no, I have not been doing burn-outs).
At first, I thought this smell (plus others) was simply part of the run in process, but since it is still around after 10,000 k makes me wonder.
Can't see anything obvious. The exhaust system does run hot and that affects the boot(trunk) temperature, too.
Mostly notice the smell after highway runs rather than around town.
Anyone else care to comment?
Timbo
10-19-2003, 09:48 PM
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Timbo
DONT WORRY BE HAPPY .
10,000 KM AND NO OTHER PROBLEMS , i would not be overly concerned with the smell off rubber after a long highway trip , just keep an eye on the exaust area , maybe if you could jack up your car you may be able to ascertain were smell is coming from or , go for long drive before your 10,00km service and get the car put on ramp as soon as u arrive at the dealer , this will let them smell , and chek the exaust area.
DONT WORRY BE HAPPY .
10,000 KM AND NO OTHER PROBLEMS , i would not be overly concerned with the smell off rubber after a long highway trip , just keep an eye on the exaust area , maybe if you could jack up your car you may be able to ascertain were smell is coming from or , go for long drive before your 10,00km service and get the car put on ramp as soon as u arrive at the dealer , this will let them smell , and chek the exaust area.
10-19-2003, 10:14 PM
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I too notice strange smells coming from my car after driving for 4 hours... however, I figured if it was anything other than normal rotary odours (rotary tennis shoes anyone?), then I'd probably get a warning light of some description... get the dealer to check it out, I'd be curious to see what they say, as I'm probably only 6 weeks from my 10k service.
10-20-2003, 02:57 AM
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Are you sure you guys aren't just smelling the oil? As I'm sure you all know rotaries ingest oil, which I can sometimes smell in the RX8 when stopping at lights and such with the window down...
10-20-2003, 03:06 AM
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Are you sure you guys aren't just smelling the oil?
I suspect it probably relates to sound-deadening material used at the rear and, taking the advice given, will ensure the car is nice and hot when I take it for the 10k service. Those mechanics will love me!
Timbo
11-30-2003, 09:41 PM
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...getting some type of smell
...I too am experiencing some type of oil or rubber smell after long trips (400 mile trip this morning), after parking from the rear part of the car. I'm wondering it is normal or what???
Anybody else with this?
Anybody else with this?
11-30-2003, 11:57 PM
#10
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Re: ...getting some type of smell
Originally posted by QuantumTheory08
...I too am experiencing some type of oil or rubber smell after long trips (400 mile trip this morning), after parking from the rear part of the car. I'm wondering it is normal or what???
Anybody else with this?
...I too am experiencing some type of oil or rubber smell after long trips (400 mile trip this morning), after parking from the rear part of the car. I'm wondering it is normal or what???
Anybody else with this?
02-22-2009, 12:25 PM
#13
I know the thread is five years old, but now I've got the issue. 2004 w/50k miles. Smells like burning rubber or plastic in the trunk after driving for a while. Not a very intense smell, no smoke visible, been doing this for a few weeks now. Haven't looked for a bag stuck to, or melting away on my exhaust system, but I wouldn't expect it to continue this long.
Anyone else ever get this issue? I've had the car for a year and a half and put on about 15k miles. The problem just started. This is not the smell of oil.
Anyone else ever get this issue? I've had the car for a year and a half and put on about 15k miles. The problem just started. This is not the smell of oil.
02-23-2009, 03:32 AM
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Sorry can't help myself.
hmmmm, what large rubber parts are there on an 8 that could possibly heat up during a long trip.
I often smell rubber when I get out of the car even after short trips, especially on the rear passenger's side, particularly if I've seen the DSC light at all during the drive.
hmmmm, what large rubber parts are there on an 8 that could possibly heat up during a long trip.
I often smell rubber when I get out of the car even after short trips, especially on the rear passenger's side, particularly if I've seen the DSC light at all during the drive.
02-24-2009, 01:35 AM
#18
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Crikey, this just goes to prove a good ol' thread never dies 
Rotaries burn oil, and as they get older snf the seals naturally wear, they burn more oil. Burning oil smells different depending on whether its mineral or synthetic, and also on its age.
Not many ks for a 2004 car. Has it had much 'exercise'? If not, carbon build up plus oil is most likely the source of the smell.
Cat problems usually have other symptoms.
Rotaries burn oil, and as they get older snf the seals naturally wear, they burn more oil. Burning oil smells different depending on whether its mineral or synthetic, and also on its age.
Not many ks for a 2004 car. Has it had much 'exercise'? If not, carbon build up plus oil is most likely the source of the smell.
Cat problems usually have other symptoms.
02-24-2009, 08:35 PM
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02-25-2009, 01:31 AM
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Exhaust system, including rear Muffler (which is very heavy) hangs there on Rubber Mounts, they could be getting hot and or perishing?.
Is it possible that the under body spray on insulation could be getting hot and smelling.
Did or does your car have a thin stick on heat insulator strip above the rear exhaust pipe/muffler as this was added during production (around 2005) and parts made available for inspected cars missing this heat insulation.
It's purpose was to prevent a fire and or smells.
Is it possible that the under body spray on insulation could be getting hot and smelling.
Did or does your car have a thin stick on heat insulator strip above the rear exhaust pipe/muffler as this was added during production (around 2005) and parts made available for inspected cars missing this heat insulation.
It's purpose was to prevent a fire and or smells.
