Foul Smell

[phewop118]

I've noticed recently that my car has been smelling extremely bad when I start it and let it warm up for more than a few minutes. If I have the defrost on, the smell comes into the car. It seems to be coming from the driver's side under the hood. It smells like something burning, like plastic or rubber and is extremely noticeable after idling in park for a little bit. Could it be brake fluid or power steering fluid? The reason I say steering is because there seems to be a bit more "whine" when steering when still. Maybe transmission (I need my 50k mile fluid change still)? Help!

[Laser17]

my intrigue does this, people notice it sometimes, what is happening is a leak of oil is starting in your intake manifold gasket, and is dripping on hot engine parts as it makes its way to the ground, if you don't notice any oil puddles, than it is probably leaking only a little bit, that is being burned up. No worries though, mines been leaking since i bought it (56K/1 quart per tank of gas) and i've never had an oil related problem (94K) and i drive from florida to NJ atleast 3 times a year

[phewop118]

What year is yours? Mine is an 01 gls. It has the 3.5. I know the 3.8 had problems with the gasket leaking, but I didn't think the 3.5 did.

[phewop118]

What would burning windshield washer fluid smell like? I feel like my washer fluid resevoir is depleting very quickly and perhaps that is what's leaking.