Burnt smell from engine compartment

[a_alyte]

When I changed my plugs & wires 8 mths ago, I noticed a burnt smell coming from the engine once I started the car with the new plugs & wires. I believe it smoked a bit too, but only for a few seconds Ever since then, whenever my engine temp rises to 210 or above, this burnt smell comes back. You can smell it slightly when in the vehicle but it's more pronounced once you get out.

My GT runs fine otherwise, except for hesitation at 100mph.

Ideas appreciated

[doctorhrdware]

Is it a burnt electrical smell or is it a burnt coolant smell. Need to narrow down the smell if possible.

[eippermx]

I'll take a few shots in the dark:

1. When you changed the plugs, maybe the black plastic cover on the plug wires on the back side of engine came off and is sitting partially on the heat shield. Vibration makes it touch the manifold once in awhile.

2. Your plug wires on the back side aren't routed correctly causing one of them to vibrate once in a while onto the exhaust manifold.

3. It's a coincidence. You've got a small oil leak from one of the valve covers that is working its way once in a while on to the back exhaust manifold. I'm assuming you would have seen it if it was leaking from the front cover when you raised the hood.

4. Maybe there is missing plug shield on one of the plug wires and some how a heat shield is barely touching the rubber plug cap.

[a_alyte]

The smell is definitely not coolant. It very well could be one of the rear plug wires touching the manifold, I didn't tilt the engine when accessing the rear so this could be a consequence. I'll put my hand back there again to see if I can feel anything out of place. I do have to add a little oil between changes, is this normal, or a sign of a valve cover leak?

[grandprixgtx00]

how much oil do you have to add??

[a_alyte]

I usually have to add about 4oz or so to bring the level back to full. I checked my spark plug wires & none seem to be touching the manifold or anything else that heats up.

[phjohnso]

i have an 04 gtp and get the same smell once in a while, my guess is an oily smell.

[a_alyte]

Well, at least its not an isolated incident. I guess there's a chance this could be a common thing.

[phjohnso]

did you find out anything further on the smell??

[a_alyte]

No, I haven't discovered anything new. I'll probably just deal with it unless it causes a real probable that I have to address.

[phjohnso]

Does anyone else have any input on this matter???

[tblake]

have you guys checked out the recall notice about the oil leaking out of the valve covers and igniting when it hits the exhaust manifolds?

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by tblake

have you guys checked out the recall notice about the oil leaking out of the valve covers and igniting when it hits the exhaust manifolds?

a_alyte's car is a GT, so the recall wouldnt help him out much, which i dont understand...the recall should include the L36 too!!!