Odor when heater is on

[DavidT]

I've searched, but still not sure. Someone suggested tightening the hose clamps at the firewall. Does anyone have any pics. or diagrams?
It is a burning smell when the heat is on. My dad thought it smelt of antifreeze, but it doesn't smell like that to me. I think it also smells outside the car as well. Today, it didn't smell at all until I arrived at my destination and let the car idle for a while. The heater was on the whole time. I haven't noticed any leaks or problems with the heater...
oh yeah, the tranny shop rebuilt my tranny not long ago. Did they have to move hoses or anything that might create this problem?

 

[Silvapain]

Are you losing coolant? Tranny fluid? PS fluid? Oil? If something's burning, it has to be coming from somewhere.

A burning smell from the heater can be a sign of a blown headgasket. I can't say I've ever heard of a V8 SHO headgasket failing; however, I have a similar issue with a burning smell from the heater and I'm losing coolant. I haven't had the time yet to see what's going on with my car.

 

[DavidT]

I haven't noticed any type of fluid loss. However, ever since I got my car back from the tranny shop, I noticed an odd smell every time I got home and I parked my car. I assumed it was due to the newly looking sand blasted tranny. I dunno... But recently I have noticed the smell INSIDE the cabin with the heater running (AUTO) and the car in idle.

 

[Funmart6]

could it be from the heater core? maybe a hose?

don't mean to highjack,
When I drive my car kinda hard I get this hot oily smell when at idle, and yet It doesn't leak or use any oil, go figure?

 

[DavidT]

ok. I noticed today that the odor is in the car only if the heat is on and the car is idle. While driving/moving, there is no odor. Any ideas?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Sounds more like oil, which in these cars is very very common. Pull the passenger side upper and lower cowling and see how much oil is on the rear exhaust manifold shield.

 

[Funmart6]

Sounds more like oil, which in these cars is very very common. Pull the passenger side upper and lower cowling and see how much oil is on the rear exhaust manifold shield.

I do remember getting just a small amount of oil on my hands when I changed those back plugs, and it was right there above the exhaust. What is the cause of this, as the oil level always stays constant between changes (in my case anyway). Must be a very small drip from somewhere.