Burning Smell

[Finfan1]

Last night I went in my garage 30 min. after I had the Reatta out for the night and it smelled like something was burning. I opened the hood but couldn't tell where it was coming from. I checked all the fluids and they look good. Today I pulled the car out and I have no leaks on the floor.

About a week ago I added a couple cans of Freon and the air has been cold. Last night when I was looking under the hood I noticed water dripping from near the fire wall on the passenger side. The water was dipping on a rubber cover from a tire rod - I think.

It looked unusual that the water would drip from that area. The temp was in the high 80's most of the day so AC was running a lot. I not sure if this is related to the burning smell.

[Machiner 55]

Finfan,

Last night when I was looking under the hood I noticed water dripping from near the fire wall on the passenger side.

It's supposed to do that. The condensate that collects on the evaporator has to go somewhere and that's where it goes. As for your burning smell, I got noth'n.

Edited July 6, 2013 by Machiner 55 (see edit history)

[Guest steveskyhawk]

Does your instrument panel still work?

[Finfan1]

Yes - Instrument panel is fine. Co-workers today were saying if doesn't smell like oil, tranny fluid or brakes it could be electrical. Thanks Machiner 55 at least I know that's not the problem.

[Guest steveskyhawk]

Have you replaced your light switch with a "rebuilt"?

[Finfan1]

I've just had the Reatta 4 months and I've done nothing electrical. The smell is on the outside - not when i'm driving - but i can smell it after about a 30 min ride after it's been in the garage

[Ronnie]

I'd bet my money on a brake caliper with a sticking piston that is holding the pad against the rotor causing overheating. After you take another 30 minute drive and smell the burning smell, feel of each wheel near the lug nuts to see if you can feel one wheel hotter than the others. That would tell you if a brake is overheating.

[Guest Mc_Reatta]

Take a good look between the rear valve cover and the firewall behind the engine. Lots of opportunity there for wires, lines, relays, etc. to come in contact with hot exhaust components.