I recently bought a used 1990 Bronco EB (351W - 5.8) and, while I've had to replace a few minor things and do the usual jobs such as a tune-up, oil change, etc, I haven't had any big problems with it... so far.

However, I do have two problems I was hoping you may have some advice on for me, since I'm still new to the Bronco world. The first one is just more annoying than anything else. It seems that whenever I accelerate, such as from a red light or stop sign, etc.. I get a strong smell in the truck that smells vaguely like some sort of fluid burning. Almost like when you spill oil on the engine block and it burns itself off. Though, it could be coolant burning as well.. it's just a strange smell of some sort of fluid burning. However, I have no fluid leaks and none spilled on the engine, etc. I have no leaks of any kind from what I can tell. The smell only appears when I push on the gas pedal. Any ideas?

Secondly, my transmission seems reluctant to shift sometimes once I hit about 35 mph. It will shift if I let off the gas, and shifts easier once I let it warm up, but I'm worried that it may be a sign of bad things to come. Could the two things even be connected somehow?

After I got the truck I purchased a new transmission filter, fluid, and some cleaners, etc. to give the transmission a tune-up as well, but the person I had doing the work told me the filter and fluid inside the transmission looked like it had just been changed recently already so no need to do it again. Is there perhaps anything simple I should try first to see if it helps? Like some Seafoam or such?

Anyway, any help or advice would be greatly appreciate. Thank you.


C.

 

Pull the codes if you haven't already.

Do a thorough inspection of the engine bay for any signs of leaks especially near the top of the engine. Leaks up top can sometimes have the fluid dry or burn off before you actually see anything on the ground. If you can smell it, its there... just gotta go looking. Could be an exhaust leak too that is burning or melting something... I know scary proposition but without being able to see it these are just guesses.

Which transmission do you have? An AOD may have TV cable issues, and E4OD may just be getting "eccentric". (My description for tempermental components that will frustrate you for weeks before they fail all together). However, the E4OD does have a shift point right around the 35-40 MPH mark and the early units weren't as friendly about dropping into OD as the later models. An E4OD with solenoid problems will trigger fault codes in the EEC computer so again, check the codes.

 

I think I have the same issue. I smell antifreeze or some other fluid buring after I drive the truck. I don't smell it on acceleration but I do when I get out of the truck. I thought it was a leak so I replaced the upper and lower radiator hoses but the smell is still there. I do believe my valve cover gaskets are leaking so it could be oil but it just doesn't smell like oil.

I know I'm no help but just wanted to say I'm in the same boat.

 

If you are smelling coolant inside the truck, check the heater core and the hoses running to it. Had an 82 Lincoln Town car that reeked of coolant for a couple of weeks before she dumped the contents of the core onto the passenger side floorboard. And that smell doesn't come out of the carpet.