burnt plastic smell-- steering rack?

[Fred Munro]

Check the right axle flange seal on the tranny for leaks. Transmission oil
leaking at this seal collects in the heat shield and drips onto the exhaust
pipe, resulting in a delightful fragrance.

Fred Munro
'94 S4  122k km

----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew Caprio" <caprio at flash.net>
To: <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2001 8:46 PM
Subject: burnt plastic smell-- steering rack?


> OK, still haven't tracked down my burning plastic smell coming from the
> engine compartment.  (can't smell it in the car, only outside).
>
> Maybe it is PS fluid dripping on the exhaust manifold?  Someone suggested
> this.  DOES PS fluid smell like burning plastic when it burns?
>
> Thought it was my blower motor (which is dying), but after unplugging both
> the blower controller, and the blower, I still did get the smell.
>
> Reminder: no burnt fuses, no apparent electrical problems, just this smell
> when I get out of the car.  Smells like burnt plastic.
>
> Any other ideas?
>
> 88 5ksq
> Austin, TX
> ----
> 88 5ksq
> Matthew Caprio
> Austin, TX