I have noticed from time to time (over a 2 year period) a burning smell from the rear of my 4runner. It usually occurred when on long trips or if it was driven harder than normal. I had originally thought it was a seized caliper (smelled something like hot brakes/burning diff fluid). Well, it was neither. Went for a trip into the mountains this weekend with some decent sustained climbs where cat temps were consistently in the 1400-1600 range. We got to a parking area and I noticed a good bit of smoke coming from the rear of the 4runner...uh oh. I got up under the truck and found the culprit.. Apparently the fiberglass heat shield that protects the charcoal/gas tank vapor canister and body had come free from it mounting point and was resting close to the exhaust (right at the axle hump). It was pretty much red hot, looked like smoldering coals. Not good Toyota.. probably should have used some aluminum there.. Damn near caught my rig on fire! If you have this smell take the time to make sure that shield is NOT resting on your exhaust. I wouldnt think that stuff would burn since it is supposed to shield the exhaust heat from the under carriage and canister but dont be fooled. It will and could possibly torch your rig. I tore what was left if mine out, dropped the axle back portion of the exhaust and wrapped it with some decent pipe wrap. Problem solved and crisis adverted. Hope this helps someone else out there thinking.."whats that burning smell?"...
Burning smell near the rear of your 4runner? (solution)
- Thread starter JeepWinch
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jdubb2386
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Yes, I found the same thing this summer on a long road trip loaded down with camping gear. I have yet to find the part number for the fiberglass heat shield to replace it (haven't looked that hard). I wired it back in place, but a big chunk is missing from the middle. It scared the crap out of me when it happened. I thought the truck was on fire!
Yeah I was pretty freaked out as well especially how close it was to the evap for the gas tank. I would tear it out and give it a good pipe wrap so you dont have some charred tinder hanging around. I would imagine pulling the camper got it nice and warm.. The boss lady and I are looking at a 21 foot CampLite to pull, glad I figured out wth was causing that before we loaded it all down.
I finished mine up last night and went out for a pipe heating beat run and I could still touch the wrap without burning my hand. Cheaper than the part to replace and does a good job: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M36G1DR?psc=1
Oh and if you do the wrap use some stainless hose clamps, the zips that come with the wrap dont typically hold very well.
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chris in ky
New member
My '06 Sport V6 started smoking today, found that cloth over the rear axle was smoldering and glowing. I was towing a 1700# Uhaul trailer in 4th gear for a half hour.
It pretty much turned to dust when I pulled it off. It appears to be fiberglass, so I'll just wrap the pipe and call it good.
It pretty much turned to dust when I pulled it off. It appears to be fiberglass, so I'll just wrap the pipe and call it good.
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