slight burning smell
 

I have started to notice a slight burning rubber smell on my 2001 XJR (67,000 miles) after it gets up to speed. I can't seem to track it down when I open the hood. I assume that it is perhaps a belt that needs to be replaced, but I am not sure. Any ideas?

I have that same problem. I can't seem to figure it out either. Master Jag Tech to the rescue!

Ok Guys. This is going to sound crazy & no, I'm not crazy...I had the same problem and it turned out to be a fender liner that had come loose and when driving was being pushed back against the wheel rubbing a nice hole in the liner. Chances are though it's something else. Could be one of the idler pulleys for the serpentine belt is starting to sieze up, creating some friction.....? You're welcome for the laughs.:)

I am in denial... But i think i have the same issue in my 2001 xjr...

Have the same smell in the VDP. It just stared recently.

Oil leaking from the cam covers and burning on the exhaust manifolds causing smell?

Most likely as Dan said, cam cover gaskets leaking.

I just noticed that mine are leaking -- and I am getting the same smell -- also thought it was a belt -- but mine is definitely a small leak dripping on the heat shield -- right side by the firewall.

I had a burning rubber smell that just ended in a blown coolant hose. I'm still figuring out what exactly happened.

Rubber hose rubbing against a pulley maybe? Do you have any cooling problems?

I have a similar smell, and I'm using coolant faster than normal. I can also see dried fluid runs down the front of the block so am hoping it is a water hose leaking. I do hope it isn't the water pump though I can't be bothered with all that hassle!!

After looking under the hood, it does look like the smell is coming from the driver's side valve cover. Looks like some oil is getting on there and dripping down. The fix is another question. I first think of an EGR valve of some sort, but does the XJR have an EGR? If not is this just a matter of replacing the valve cover gasket?

If the covers have not been removed before replacing the gaskets should fix it. If they have been off add a check for cracks in the plastic valve covers. Tightening beyond the torque specs will only crack the plastic, not stop a leak.

Remember the FelPro gasket set for the Lincoln LS is half of any source of Jaguar branded parts.

testpoint:
There are two different X-8 gasket congigurations- I believe the o rings are different. Do you know if the Feldpro will wotk on the AJ26 engine?

my burning smell has been confirmed to be as dan r says

Oil leaking from the cam covers and burning on the exhaust manifolds causing smell?

I also discovered that my burning smell is from leaking cam cover gaskets, despite them being replaced 5 years ago.

Finally fixing
 

I am replacing the valve cover gasket today so that should solve the problem. I will also be able to clean up that side of the engine!

The burning smell can be brought on by many things and oil leaking from the valve covers is one of them. If you have a leak and you elect to do the job you should know that torque is an important part of the process as Tom has indicated along with checking the valve cover for cracks. When reinstalling be sure that both surfaces are clean and dry. When torquing do it in the proper sequence, as silly as it may sound it is important. You do not want it to leak again.

mine was my valve cover gaskets...i had them replaced and no more burning smell...lovely