1992 4.0L V6 Burning Smell + Power Problems

[ShovePreFlop]

Hey Fellas

Was driving yesterday and got on the freeway, had pedal pressed all the way down to accelerate. Started smelling a burnt plastic aroma and immediately pulled off into a parking lot after I saw a bit of black smoke.

when in drive, car would not move forward without giving more gas. I came back after an hour and the car was fine, transmission felt good and car would move forward. I’m at a loss, no engine lights and can’t figure it out.

 

[gaz]

@ShovePreFlop
Maybe just check the transmission fluid level. Fingers crossed!!

 

[Shran]

Wonder if you have a brake caliper hanging up. Have you done any recent brake work? Two times I have replaced boosters and had the push rod adjusted out too far. The brakes will work OK at first and then get tighter and tighter as you drive, until they totally lock up from the heat. When they cool off you can drive again....for a little while.

 

[ShovePreFlop]

Wonder if you have a brake caliper hanging up. Have you done any recent brake work? Two times I have replaced boosters and had the push rod adjusted out too far. The brakes will work OK at first and then get tighter and tighter as you drive, until they totally lock up from the heat. When they cool off you can drive again....for a little while.

good idea, I haven’t done brake work but the car was sitting for a few years so maybe some stuff got loose. The weird part is the burning smell when I’m really hitting the gas

 

[Shran]

Take it for a couple spins around the block and feel the wheels. If you've got a brake dragging, it'll probably be noticeably hotter and can certainly be accompanied by a smell.

 

[ShovePreFlop]

Wonder if you have a brake caliper hanging up. Have you done any recent brake work? Two times I have replaced boosters and had the push rod adjusted out too far. The brakes will work OK at first and then get tighter and tighter as you drive, until they totally lock up from the heat. When they cool off you can drive again....for a little while.

Came back here to tell you that you’re right. Happened again, and I checked the right wheel… it was hot! Started smoking a bit too because it was heating the tire up.

 

[Shran]

Came back here to tell you that you’re right. Happened again, and I checked the right wheel… it was hot! Started smoking a bit too because it was heating the tire up.

Better that than a burned up transmission! Glad to hear you got it figured out.