I can best describe it as an bike innertube smell. Just started up a little while ago. Car is driving fine - don't really notice anythin out of the ordinary.

I'm in Michigan so windows are rolled up.

I did recently spray some lube on the center bearing as it was squealing a bit. Could there be something with the rubber retainer going on? Something electrical ?

I would welcome ideas on stuff to look at.

Derek A.
87 245.

Derek,

You could also check the blower fan wiring. I know if I place my dying fan on when the cabin is dead cold, my blower fan will draw too much current and start to melt the insulation covering the wires. Creates an awful smell so we only use the fan when the cabin has sort of warmed up.

Marty Wolfson

Could be that despite the lube (or perhaps because of it, could be a piece of grit came free and jammed it up) the center bearing has seized and is spinning in the rubber carrier. Gives exactly the smell you describe. One I had was actually smoking pretty good - the gearshift boot was missing, the car filled with smoke, and I bailed out assuming the worst - fortunately no flames though. So, better to check it sooner rather than later.
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Chris, Dartmouth NS Canada 70 M-B 280SE, 83 245DL, 84 244 turbo, 90 780 turbo, 92 VW Golf, 90 740 Rex/Regina

Going to be a shaft pull and a bearing, support, spring - the whole nine yards. Looks like the shaft is riding on the support - no bearing action left. Surprisingly - no thumping or vibration going on.

Thanks for the lead.

D.-

It's amazing how much drivetrain slop and wear a 240 will tolerate without vibration. A 740 on the other hand... well, that's a whole different story.
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Chris, Dartmouth NS Canada 70 M-B 280SE, 83 245DL, 84 244 turbo, 90 780 turbo, 92 VW Golf, 90 740 Rex/Regina

If your 240 is an '86 or later, it could well be the headlight relay, located on driver's forward kick panel. Actually, it's usually the relay's plastic connector that's burning + melting due to the heat it generates. Located just to the left of brake pedal area. Burning and distortion of the shape of the connector will continue till it no longer makes contact, then your headlights go out. Best to have a look while it's still working.

You'll need to remove the felt padding under the dash area, and pull down the carpeting. If '90 or later (w/air bag), definitely remove battery cable before going in. The relay should be clipped to the sheet metal there, but sometimes the clip detaches and the relay is hanging somewhere, or slipped under the edge of the carpet. The relay is small, a gray-shiny-metal cube, about 1 inch on each side, and has 5 blade connectors. Two heavy wire leads, the others are thinner.

If connector is damaged, the relay itself might actually be OK. If you have a junkyard available, cut out the replacement connector complete with relay attached. If donor connector shows no burning, it's probably good. Use good butt-splice connectors to splice on the new connector. Have both red and blue ones on hand (size connectors for the wire gauges you'll find). Use a real crimp tool for this.
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Sven: '89 245, IPD sways, electric rad. fan conversion, 28+ mpg - auto tranny. 850 mi/week commute. '89 245 #2 (wifemobile). '90 244 (spare, runs).

Along the same vein, it could be the rear fog light switch if you have an '86 or later wagon. It is due to bad contacts inside the switch. I think this particular switch is the most likely culprit due to the high current.

So, turn off that switch if you have been running them and see if the smell goes away.

But, definately check the headlight relay for dicoloration or warping. You don't want to be caught without headlights.
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- Mike