Smoke and smell of burnt wires
#1
Driver School Candidate
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Hello ClubLexus Friends,
Looking for advise on what this could be. Last Friday when I got home from work (I'm only 6 miles & 13 minutes away) there was a smell of burnt wires when I parked in the garage. When I popped the hood, white smoke was coming off to the right side of the engine (see link to youtube video I've posted).
Pretty close to where there's a hose that appears all shriveled up. It was a hot day in Los Angeles (probably in the mid-90s) but there's definitely been hotter days. I haven't started the car since then.
I can do minor repairs and want to get a gauge from the experts in here what this could entail and whether is it safe to drive the car to a mechanic or have it towed.
Looking forward to your responses!
Phil
Looking for advise on what this could be. Last Friday when I got home from work (I'm only 6 miles & 13 minutes away) there was a smell of burnt wires when I parked in the garage. When I popped the hood, white smoke was coming off to the right side of the engine (see link to youtube video I've posted).
Pretty close to where there's a hose that appears all shriveled up. It was a hot day in Los Angeles (probably in the mid-90s) but there's definitely been hotter days. I haven't started the car since then.
I can do minor repairs and want to get a gauge from the experts in here what this could entail and whether is it safe to drive the car to a mechanic or have it towed.
Looking forward to your responses!
Phil
#2
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That looks like coolant escaped and ran down the block. No big worry. Check coolant levels and monitor.
#3
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It's probably your alternator (burning electric smell). That shriveled hose is just a cover for the wires (not a hose).
Check the battery voltage, then start the car to see if the voltage goes up while the vehicle is running. If it doesn't - it's most likely your alternator. If so, you will only be able to drive as long as the battery stays above 10 volts or so, after that the car will begin to die, and you will be stranded.
Did your battery warning light come on?
That coolant is something else if you ask me.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...r-smoking.html
Check the battery voltage, then start the car to see if the voltage goes up while the vehicle is running. If it doesn't - it's most likely your alternator. If so, you will only be able to drive as long as the battery stays above 10 volts or so, after that the car will begin to die, and you will be stranded.
Did your battery warning light come on?
That coolant is something else if you ask me.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...r-smoking.html
Last edited by Japmand; 08-22-17 at 11:14 AM.
#5
Driver School Candidate
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#6
Driver School Candidate
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It's probably your alternator (burning electric smell). That shriveled hose is just a cover for the wires (not a hose).
Check the battery voltage, then start the car to see if the voltage goes up while the vehicle is running. If it doesn't - it's most likely your alternator. If so, you will only be able to drive as long as the battery stays above 10 volts or so, after that the car will begin to die, and you will be stranded.
Did your battery warning light come on?
That coolant is something else if you ask me.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...r-smoking.html
Check the battery voltage, then start the car to see if the voltage goes up while the vehicle is running. If it doesn't - it's most likely your alternator. If so, you will only be able to drive as long as the battery stays above 10 volts or so, after that the car will begin to die, and you will be stranded.
Did your battery warning light come on?
That coolant is something else if you ask me.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...r-smoking.html
I had a friend tell me that it could be the valve gasket, but thought that that won't cause a burning electrical/wire smell. Could it?
#7
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#10
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So it's been about a week since the car has been started. Upon popping the hood open, strong smell burning electrical gone, but when sticking my nose just above the alternator, there's still remnants of the smell.
I took a voltage reading and here they are:
Car off (engine not running): 12.22V
Car on (engine running on idle): 13.67V and fluctuated down to 13.49 and then to 13.62
Drove the car around the block.
Took another reading.
Car off: 12.38V
Car on (engine running on idle): 13.42 - 13.43V
Are these readings conclusive that the alternator is failing or has failed ? Or an imminent failure?
#11
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Based on those readings - the alternator is actually working. Usually alternators need a bit of rpm ~2000 to be fully engaged (up to those higher 13+ volt areas). Just keep an eye out for the red battery indicator light (and get somewhere quick if you see it come on). Everything else seems to be working fine?
Last edited by Japmand; 08-26-17 at 10:19 PM.
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#13
Driver School Candidate
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Thanks for all your responses. Now that I have strong lead that it is the alternator.. gonna make for a nice labor day weekend project. Any good resources you guys have pertaining to replacing the alternator?
#14
Driver School Candidate
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Going to embark on this today and wanted to know how many of you had to jack up your car to
REMOVE ENGINE UNDER COVER and REMOVE V-RIBBED BELT
This is from the post below:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ml#post8342507
REMOVE ENGINE UNDER COVER and REMOVE V-RIBBED BELT
This is from the post below:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ml#post8342507
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