I've experienced a hot/rubber/burning smell coming from the grill area after driving about 35 minutes at 55-60 mph. I have performed a visual inspection under the hood, under the chassis, at each brake, tires, transmission and exhaust.

I can find no melted wiring covers, burnt tape, fluid leaks or anything out of the ordinary.

I currently have 11,660 miles on the odo. Has any other 5.0L owner experienced this lately or at all?

Thanks, James

 

Belt Issue?

 

My clutch fan on my 06 was giving off a similar smell when it was ready to crap out. It took a few days to get the odor out of the vents after it was replaced.

 

2011's have efans....

 

That is what I'd suspect, too.

Back in the day, maybe a clogged PVC valve.

 

I would look at a failed idler pulley

 

I checked with engine running and engine off. No burnt or frayed belts noted. Pulley's appeared to rotate properly.

I did not notice any weird smell this morning or afternoon. Although, it did rain most of the day.

 

Mine has it too. Can't figure it out.

 

How many miles on the odo? Mine started around 11,600 miles.

 

Hmmm, I get this smell also. More of a plastic smell though. usually after a 2-3 hour drive or after an hour or so of slow 4x4 action.

 

I've noticed it on my 5.0 too, cant seem to find anything

 

Any chance you splashed anything up near the block. Ive smelled that before when taking truck on the beach or thru a muddy puddle.

 

The smell i encounter is generally after the truck was driven hard, as in fast acceleration or heavy 4x4 use. Maybe exhaust manifolds get hot enough to start melting some plastic but I haven't put any wires too close.

 

Check to see if you have a brake caliper stuck. It's usually quite similar to an electrical smell.

 

I noticed this smell last night, very strong plastic or rubber burning smell. I need to take my truck in anyway because it is leaking transmission fluid after spirited driving or lots of highway use.