1997 Ford Ranger burning odor

[Fluttrbye]

I have a 1997 Ford Ranger, 92,000 miles, with an under hood burning odor. This only occurs after the engine has warmed up after driving about 5-10 miles or so. The odor is a mechanical burning smell. There are no fumes, no smoke, no dashboard engine warning lights, no noises or vibrations, no indication there is a problem other than this odor. The truck engine and transmission run just fine. And the truck clutch was recently replaced, thinking this was the problem. So this odor is driving me nuts. I can smell it as soon as I get out of my truck and without having to lift the hood, it can be detected. I don't know if the engine or transmission are burning out or what. Or if there is some oil leak somewhere. My oil pressure seems fine and I don't see any oil leaks anywhere. So what could this burning odor be coming from? It ONLY happens after I have been driving for a few miles. And it is NOT a rubber burning smell. Can any of you help? I don't wish to take it to a mechanic until I have an idea of what it could be.

[billyboytwo]

Originally Posted by Fluttrbye

I have a 1997 Ford Ranger, 92,000 miles, with an under hood burning odor. This only occurs after the engine has warmed up after driving about 5-10 miles or so. The odor is a mechanical burning smell. There are no fumes, no smoke, no dashboard engine warning lights, no noises or vibrations, no indication there is a problem other than this odor. The truck engine and transmission run just fine. And the truck clutch was recently replaced, thinking this was the problem. So this odor is driving me nuts. I can smell it as soon as I get out of my truck and without having to lift the hood, it can be detected. I don't know if the engine or transmission are burning out or what. Or if there is some oil leak somewhere. My oil pressure seems fine and I don't see any oil leaks anywhere. So what could this burning odor be coming from? It ONLY happens after I have been driving for a few miles. And it is NOT a rubber burning smell. Can any of you help? I don't wish to take it to a mechanic until I have an idea of what it could be.

check rear brakes for lockup driver side

[2000mudder]

more than likely, it is a small amount of oil leaking from valve cover onto exhaust manifold. common problem with that many miles.valve cover gaskets are first to go ans sometomes easy to replace other than taking off intake plentum. this might possibaly your prob.

[TheRangerOfDanger]

that;s what happened to my 1990 2.9 - head gasket startted to go, and eventually there was oil all over my block - this prob isn't your case, but in the day light, or a bright flashlight, do a good once over, especially in the middle of the block and over the sides where the valves com near the exhaust manifold