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Had a fire in the engine compartment and smell a burning just where the alternator is. not sure where the fire started but would like to know if the starter is near the alternator or elsewhere.
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if you smell gas YOU DO have a fuel leak.... make sure your gas cap is good and or tight, also might want to look at your fuel pressure regulator.. the fuel system is pretty simple... let me know!
If you're smelling gas through your vents, you surely have a gas leak in your engine compartment. It could be as simple as a leaky fuel line to something more complicated as a leaking fuel injector seal. Have it looked at ASAP or you may run the risk of having an engine compartment fire, destroying the car.
I have read about, and experienced, a problem w/alt's on '99 Mon Sports where owners have replaced multiple alternators. Many times the culprit, oddly enough, is a leaking rear camshaft seal that weeps oil. This oil subsequently gets blown around the engine compartment by the radiator fan or general air movemants while driving. Because of this, a film of oil can cover/coat the alternator (specifically the underside, which often goes un-noticed), causing its failure. It is my opinion (just an opinion) that this could be the cause of some of the passenrer side fires that I have read about occuring. The seal is only about a $15 Dollar part, but to replace it is several hundred in labor due to it's location. Have you ever noticed a faint, or sometimes even a strong smell of burning oil when you park your Monty? If so check to see if indeed you have an oily residue on your alternator. The smell of burning oil tipped me off to this issue. Upon investigating the smell, which turned out to be a small amount getting blown on to the exhaust, that I found my alternators underside to be coated with oil. I do plan on replacing the seal soon, but until I can find the time, every month or so, I use an engine degreaser and clean my motor thouroughly paying special attention to the underside of the alternator. Hope this helps you. Dave B. in PA
Hello, Sheila.
I had the same problem with my 1995 Eldorado. What I found was a fuel leak sourced at the fuel rail (some kind of plastic tubing) above the engine. I found out that there was a recall for this fuel rail. The dealer replaced it for free with stainless steal. It's lucky my car didn't burn to the ground.
Last week there was a house that caught fire here in Portland. The fire started in a carport. Guess what kind of car was sitting in the carport. Guess where the firefighters believe the fire started. The answers, a Cadillac Eldorado and in the engine compartment of the car.
--Lawrence.
The serpentine belt has nothing to do with the brakes. It does have something to do with the alternator which charges the battery. the burning smell is probably the result of wasted grooves on the underside of the belt. it is the belt you see just inside the car engine compartment that turns the AC unit compressor pully , the alternator, etc.it is connected to the crankshaft pully.. If you have a front wheel drive it is located on the side of the engine compartment.
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