Burning smell in a TD5

[BilboBoggles]

Td5 defender - 2003 model. 200kk+ on the clock.

Noticed that in winter after about 1 hour of driving I can smell a plastic insulation smell. Not burning but a hot plastic smell. I can't really tell what's causing it, but it does seem that turning the heater off reduces the smell. but that could be due to lack of airflow.

Are there any common areas in a TD5 defender to look for poor connections that might get hot?

I have also noticed but not sure if it's related - that when I turn the indicator on that the radio drops out for a second occasionally. I'm wondering if that indicates one of the earth points is bad.

Any good places to look for issues?

Thanks!

[moorey]

Probably not it, but I had/have an exhaust manifold leak that burned a hole in the plastic engine cover. Smelled it, and it did the burning before I could hear the 'puff' of the leak.

[BilboBoggles]

;-) thanks - I found it.

the main fuse box under the driver seat. There are two large power feed cables that feed this box. One of the "Self Tapper" screws that hold the wire connector has come loose. Resulted in seriously melted fuse box. A rather silly design I think. I need to get a new fuse box.

Worth checking if your radio goes out when you turn on the indicators - I reckon this was the cause!

[Cobber]

I haven't smelled anything burning, but I might go out and check mine before I do! :eek:

Thanks for the tip :BigThumb: