jmgtp

on my 1994

When the ac/heat etc is turned off I get a slight smell like rubber burning emanating from the vents. It is not apparent until the engine is up to operating temp.

If I turn the heat or a/c on the smell seems to go away.

Immediately after driving if I open the hood and smell around I cannot smell anything underhood that matches this odor.

It does not smell like coolant and the coolant level remains full so I do not suspect the heater core. There is no condensation on the glass either.

The best I can describe it is as a slight rubber or plastic burning smell.
Any ideas?

Keystring

Does your catalytic converter air tube have a rubber hose on it?

If so, that may be where you are getting the 'burnt rubber' smell.

jmgtp

The air tubes on the 94 don't run to the cats but dump right into the exhaust manifolds (or in my case the short tubes). There is a rubber tube but they dont look burnt nor do they smell. Right after driving I've opened the hood and sniffed around and the odor does not seem to be coming from the underhood area.

If my heater core was leaking shouldn't I expect moisture out the vents? Especially when the defroster is on? Wouldnt it also smell like coolant and not plastic/rubber burning? And finally would the floor get wet or would it all go out the a/c drain?

mtwoolford

the a/c system can get pretty stinky. remove the gill on the passenger's side; there's a rubber tube, approximately 1 inch diameter by 4 inches long. it drains water and condensation from the entire a/c plenum. mine was clogged solid with a black decomposing organic muck. it looked and smelled bad.

jmgtp

Thank you, project for this weekend.
Sounds like an easy fix and hope this turns out to be the problem!

joeld

I'm thinking heater blower motor.

Joel