I have a '98 Civic DX that is stock with an AEM SRI and Flowmaster exhaust. I've noticed that when I get going between 60-80 MPH, once I ease off of the gas, there is a rather strong burning smell. It only lasts about five seconds and then it dissipates. I had the whole car looked over about a month ago and my mechanic said there is a slight oil leak where the engine meets the transmission. I guess its not really a "leak," but that area is a bit damp. Could that be causing the smell?

 

its not your breaks?

 

My car does that at 100+mph I just ignore it probably not a good thing tho.

 

the oil leak you speak off is the O" ring around the distributor that goes inside of the head, quick, cheap, easy fix

 

Could that be the source of the smell though? My mechanic said not to worry about replacing that unless I decide to get the transmission replaced (which I was thinking of doing).

 

transmission DONT have to come off to replace an oring...lol oull distributor off its the oring around the shaft of the distributor. what does it smell like??

 

mine too. this thread might provide some insight.

 

I think it's maybe burning oil from worn out valve seals. Mine does it too. Does it do it if you let off the gas and cruise at the speed?

 

Once I let off of the gas, the smell dissipates after about five seconds.

 

when i cruise, i smell it.