88 n/a
the heat smells like smoldering paper or rubber, but only the heat, the bay doesnt smell, and when set to cool it doesnt smell. so whats up?
it just started a few days ago.

 

Something probably fell onto the heater core and is now burning. You can wait for it to go away, or pull the core and check it out. It's a messy job though.

 

Go to the car wash and use a high vacuum cleaner and see if you can suck some debri out like some dollar bills. Good luck.

 

This is the only sure fix.
The matrix is probably loaded with dust, lint, small birds, etc. and needs a good cleaning.
A (not inconsiderable) side benefit will be that your heat output should increase as well.

Have fun.

 

IF you do end up pulling the core- put a new one in.

 

Or he has an automatic and he's burning transmition fluid somewhere. Maybe it's just me but burning transmition fluid is the only thing that smells "hot". Please disregard if 5speed..

 

me, an automatic, that sir is an outrage, guess ill be pulling it out then.

 

That's what I would do as well.
Get new hoses at the same time (the pre-formed firewall ones) and just be done with it all at once.

 

You'd have to check the heater core.Also the Intake,so to speak is teh vent Section that is bewteen the Hood and the windshield.If that is plugged up,you get hardly any Heat.So maybe check that area too.
My Favorite "paybacks" involve a Couple cans of Sardine Juice dripped into that Area.(turn on Incoming air..Fish!..WTF?).