# 2006 Lexus RX 330 smells like it’s overheating

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-lexus-rx-330-smells-like-it-s-overheating/131371>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** rx330, lexus\
**Created:** [December 24, 2018, 8:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-lexus-rx-330-smells-like-it-s-overheating/131371 "2018-12-24T20:26:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![DavidAllen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@DavidAllen](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DavidAllen)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 8:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-lexus-rx-330-smells-like-it-s-overheating/131371/1 "2018-12-24T20:26:16Z")

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car smells light it overheating but engine does not run hot. I can drive all the time and it runs cool. But it smell light it is overheating.

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**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 8:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-lexus-rx-330-smells-like-it-s-overheating/131371/2 "2018-12-24T20:43:19Z")

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There might be oil on an exhaust manifold from last oil change or a leaking valve cover gasket that is causing the smell. When the engine is fully warmed up do you see anything like smoke?

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**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 8:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-lexus-rx-330-smells-like-it-s-overheating/131371/3 "2018-12-24T20:43:37Z")

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Oil leak onto an exhaust pipe maybe? … @Purebred beat me to it by about 3 seconds! 👏

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**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 9:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-lexus-rx-330-smells-like-it-s-overheating/131371/4 "2018-12-24T21:13:42Z")

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Inspect the radiator for pink stains (coolant), I have replaced many RX radiators because of leaks.