I have an xk8 98 4L. Has a smell like hot metal after 3 or 4 mile. Coolant ok,oil ok can see no leaks at all. Welcome any suggestions or theorys

 

presumably motor oil dripping from the heat shields onto the header. hardly to see and caused by leaking valve cover gaskets.

 

Just checking, could you be dragging an emergency brake shoe? Is rear brake area hot to touch? I don't think you mentioned where the smell seems to originate.

Not related but reminds me of the time I was out for a short drive. Started to smell something burning. Questioned myself maybe I'm dreaming. . . Until I saw smoke coming out from hood area! I got somewhere safe and opened the hood, fearing the worst.

Turned out the paper towel I had just used to check the oil level had worked itself free from being stuffed behind something (figured I could use it next time)on the side and fell down by the exhaust manifold - started to smolder. Scared the *$#% out of me till I figured it out.

Hope you find yours soon and it turns out to be nothing.

John

 

+1 to flatsix

Had a faint smell of oil here too. Quick and easy check to see if the cam cover gaskets are leaking. Run a paper towel under the edge and check the heat shield tray under neath.



Yep! Fresh oil on the towel. I’m getting a faint leak.