01RedCLS

So I just had the alternator in my 01 CLS refurbished by a local alternator-type of shop for $60 and installed it myself. The car is running great and part works great, but every time I accelerate after being stopped, there's a burning belt smell; sometimes the scent comes into the cabin after I stop at a light, stop sign, etc. This smell is only present with the A/C on. Any idea what it could be? My mechanic friend said all belts look good and I've driven it two weeks, the smell has diminished some (for example, it doesn't make the smell when driving above 30mph with the A/C on).

I keep thinking it will just burn off but it hasn't, hence this post.

I didn't replace the belt as it's not frayed, etc. Is it good practice to do that anyways once you relieve tension to work in that area??

Any ideas?? I'm about to pull the alternator out again but it's a pain in the arse, so hoping maybe someone else has had this experience before and can reply..

CL-S progression 01

iTrader: (2)

Is it an electrical burning kinda smell... Cause then it's gotta be the alt. I would think.

You did the removal and installation?

Did You use lubricant, maybe that may have gotten somewhere it should not have. Or spill any power steering fluid when moving out the alternator?

If u are positive u did not

The smell is likely from the alt, when u put the AC on the alt is now working hard which heats it up which could create the smell and then will dicipate.
I dunno how to build an alt, but my guess is there would be some residues or something from the work they have done. Some grease.. Who knows.

But if the alt is fine and u spilled nothing for sue. I think it'll just go away.

To check ur alternator have car running and use a volt meter set on DC current. Put one lead on each of the battery terminals. Should be 14-14.5 if it's healthy and not super hot.

When the car gets hotttt the alt will be pushing usually .3-.5 amps lower.

If u don't feel comfortable doing it, get a buddy who is. It's real simple.

01RedCLS

Yea I figured it would burn off - my wife is pregnant, so she won't drive it now until the smell goes away .