Clutch type smell

[Grantoonriusmo]

Hi all,

I've noticed a handful of times (7-8) over 12 months that I'm getting a burning clutch smell while sat in traffic. It lasts for around 5 seconds or so, and happens randomly. I've got a GT, with 6 speed ZF Auto, so I would assume it's not coming from the gearbox.

Any ideas what the smell could be?

There's no pattern to when it occurs, so it's hard to diagnose.

Thanks

 

[CatmanV2]

Cam cover gaskets?

C

 

[Oneball]

Someone else’s clutch?

 

[Grantoonriusmo]

Cam cover gaskets?

C

I can't see any oil leaks in and around the cam cover gasket. However, I'll take have a more detailed look over the weekend.

 

[Grantoonriusmo]

Someone else’s clutch?

That was my first thought. But I did notice the same smell when I was the only car at the traffic lights

 

[2b1ask1]

Hand brake binding?

 

[Grantoonriusmo]

Hand brake binding?

I'm pretty sure it's coming from the front of the car. Although, I guess the handbrake can't be ruled out

 

[Phil H]

Sticky caliper?

 

[Grantoonriusmo]

Sticky caliper?

Looks like it will be a process of elimination to try and replicate it.

Thinking about it, when it has happened in the past, it was while approaching the traffic lights, or just after setting off, so you could be onto something

 

[DLax69]

Perhaps too much fiber in your diet?

(Doing my best @Felonious Crud impersonation)

 

[safrane]

Given the smell is akin to friction material I would say brakes, as there is no clutch.

 

[Sam McGoo]

I can't see any oil leaks in and around the cam cover gasket. However, I'll take have a more detailed look over the weekend.

This is my bet.
Lay underneath and look up at the rear of the cam covers. I betting you'll see a little evidence there. It'll probably be dripping down onto your exhaust manifold /cat and giving off the smell.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Perhaps too much fiber in your diet?

(Doing my best @Felonious Crud impersonation)

Your message sounded a bit echoey. Are you perhaps in one of the smaller rooms in your house..?

 

[woody1144]

Yeh I had this on my GT last year, was one of the gaskets seeping as explained above with a bit of oil kept hitting the exhaust. Wasn't the cheapest to fix but apparently a common problem so was only a matter of time.