Unusual smell

[Ptriggiani]

So I just returned from a perfect hour long ride and was reminded of the faint smell that my 2000 S has had since I purchased it 2000 miles ago. IT reminds me of brake fluid but there are no leaks in the braking system and the fluid level has not changed. The car has to be fully warmed it to smell it and it is faint, my wife has not complained about it and her nose is much more sensitive than mine. The car runs and drives perfectly. I am not worried about it , maybe I should be, but curious if any one else has experienced anything similar

[particlewave]

Could just be a hot clutch. Mine smells funny after a long and/or aggressive drive. If you have an oil leak, could be dripping on the exhaust.

Might be worth while to check the power steering hoses, too. I've read that they pass a bit too close to the headers. IIRC, some have tied them back to avoid this as it can cause much more serious problems.

[Timco]

My old clutch (really worn) had a distinct freshly lit match smell. Was odd. Never smelled that since clutch swap.

[78F350]

A bit of grease from the CV boot (loose seal or small crack) getting slung onto the nearby exhaust?

[Ptriggiani]

Thanks for the input, not clutch or grease but could be power steering fluid, had not thought about that, time to to a look into engine compartment

[Duquette5]

I've had that happen. Especially after taco Tuesday... And another time when my clutch was getting low.