(Home) Burning smell

I have a 1990 2WD Townace Super Extra. It was serviced recently by my local Toyota dealer. Since then we have sometimes, but not always, smelt a very strong burning smell. Water and oil levels appear normal as does the temperature gauge, and there is no loss of power. In the same period, the battery has needed recharging twice, suggesting the alternator is not charging. But the lights do brighten up when the engine is revved up suggesting the alternator is OK. Could the smell and the battery problems be connected? Any ideas? The Toyota dealer can’t find anything wrong, largely because I could not replicate the burning smell for them. We have had problems in the past with the battery failing to charge, and that was traced to a poor connection from the alternator and an incorrect tension in one of the belts. I’m no mechanic, but if I could give the Toyota garage a clue, I might be able to get this fixed.

- (#3400) Steve Lane, 17 Jun 02

Difficult. As it is intermittent it's difficult to show to someone. Definitely sounds like a short but where?
A good bet would be the charging system if you are having battery problems. Trouble is all that system is located on the drivers side and needs the floorpan removing in order to have a good look. Ultimately, I suspect that is what you will have to do. Check all leads back from the alternator to the battery and fuses (under seat) and look for any chaffing of cables and wires. Also anywhere that may have bare wires/contacts that could come into contact with earthed components or water. Might be worth having a look around the starter and other components that draw power heavily from the battery. Look for burning/black marks on contacts. Also look in battery compartment. Is the battery top clean? No water or gunge causing arcing.
Might take a while to find but then you just may get lucky.
Good luck
Ian

- (#3401) Ian Dunse, 17 Jun 02