Nasty smell in cabin => clutch problem?

[jankees]

I have a 99 2.5L Outback automatic with 90K Km's on it, and it has started to produce this very unpleasant, burning smell in the cabin, especially when stationary, like waiting for traffic lights or in a traffic jam. At first I thought about some wiring getting too hot, but I could not find anything. After a remark form my neighbour ('is that your clutch I smell?'), I started paying attention to this, and it does seem to be slipping a bit when driving off. At speed, I do not notice anything, no smell, no slippage.

Before I start spending huge amounts of money at my dealer, I thought I'd first ask here. Any suggestions, could it be the clutch in my autobox slipping? Or any other suggestions?

 

jankees

[brus brother]

If the boot is broken, CV joint grease sprayed onto exhaust or for that matter, any other dripping oil can produce some pretty nasty smells.

Clean engine and then check for leaks and any dark burnt on areas on the exhaust.

[mjreilly]

Plastic bag stuck on the exhaust manifold or cat? Worth a look.

 

cheers,

 

matt