Burning rubber smell

2004 FORD TAURUS
101,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROBHESS88
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My car smells like burning oil outside of the car after driving. Also, the smell comes out of my vents when I turn the heat on. I checked the oil and it is overfilled but I have not had the oil changed for four months so I do not know what is wrong.
Jan 4, 2018 at 3:29 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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That is probably burning oil from an oil leak dripping onto the hot exhaust. if the oil is overfull, that could mean it is being diluted with fuel. The overfilling could have triggered the leak but it needs to be inspected closely to see where it is leaking from. I would change the oil right away and then monitor the level.
Jan 4, 2018 at 5:25 PM
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ROBHESS88
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I meant to say burning rubber not oil sorry. it also starts to smoke a little after driving back under the manifold. there was a small drip under car but it clear and has no smell, so I think it is water. All fluids are fine except the oil is a little overfilled and the transmission fluid is low, but I do not think it is the transmission because I have no misfired it drives fine other than the smell and smoke.
Jan 5, 2018 at 7:03 AM
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ROBHESS88
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The brakes are kind of grinding, but I do not think that would make it smoke by the manifold.
Jan 5, 2018 at 7:05 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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You did say rubber but oil smells like rubber when burned. Unless you ran over a plastic bag and it stuck to the converter, it is likely oil burning.
Jan 5, 2018 at 7:26 AM
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ROBHESS88
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The only leak is very small and it is like water there is no color or smell to it. now why would it smoke down in under the manifold? I thought the oil is in front and manifold is back by windshield right? I do not know. I just keep watching videos and still cannot find what is wrong. the car does need something done with the fuel because every time I pump gas it comes dripping out if I push gas lever all the way so I think it could do with that. also, the smell is really bad when AC is turned on but the AC stopped working a couple months ago.
Jan 5, 2018 at 9:26 AM
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ROBHESS88
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Oh, is there a catalytic converter on my car? someone said newer car do not have them.
Jan 5, 2018 at 9:29 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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Yes, your car has a catalytic converter. It is Federal law and yes oil can and commonly does leak at the back of the engine, usually due to a leaking valve cover. Do not look for it on the ground because it is being burned off when it hits the hot exhaust. I suggest you have a shop lift the car and inspect the underside to see if I am correct.
Jan 5, 2018 at 10:55 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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Also, if you are having issues with the brakes, have them inspected to find out what the issue is. If you have a brake dragging, it will eventually smoke and smell but that should be pretty obvious if it gets to that point.
Jan 5, 2018 at 10:57 AM