drove car when i came home it smelled like burning slightly?

1990 HONDA CIVIC
83,245 MILES • 1.5L • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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BRH28
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
So, i drove my car to run errands i was at a consistent speed of 30-35. i got home, parked my car and lifted the hood to see how the battery hold down was doing because it was new and i wanted to make sure it was fine. when i did that i noticed a slight burning smell. now i have all my fluids in the vehicle and it got an oil change a few months ago and yesterday was the first time it's been driven in months. I'm not sure if there are any leaks, the exhaust side looked clean but the engine bay itself is dirty. It hasn't been cleaned up since the last owner. I did notice that my fan in front if the radiator more than likely wasn't turning on but i also did not glance at the temperature gauge either i am afraid to take it on a drive to check if it spikes or not and i did not want to let it idle to see if it kicks on just in case i make a bigger problem. So, what should i do?
Nov 9, 2022 at 5:04 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Chances are, you are smelling dust burning off the exhaust system. What I need you to do is drive it and watch the temperature gauge. Make sure it is running at operating temperature. It if has been sitting for months, this is the likely cause.

If it maintains the proper temperature, check to see if the smell is gone.

Let me know.

Joe
Nov 9, 2022 at 10:05 AM
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BRH28
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okay, i will, the car is very dirty in the engine bay, super dusty and grimy especially the lower region where the transmission and stuff is kind of like old oil residue and dirt. So, i will drive it tomorrow or so and see what happens!
Nov 9, 2022 at 10:14 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
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Sounds like a plan. Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe
Nov 9, 2022 at 12:44 PM
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BRH28
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OMG Joe, I never replied! the gauge never spiked or anything to this day. i hope you're doing good! idk what the issue was cleaned things up and that was that.
Dec 2, 2024 at 2:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

No problem whatsoever. I'm glad it has been running good for you.

Thanks for the update and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
Dec 3, 2024 at 11:26 AM
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