Whirling sound + Burning smell (spirited run, no launch)
 

hey guys I've got an 08 GSR with about 28K miles on it -- completely stock except for an AP stage 1 flash and a cat-back.

I just took it out for a quick drive and did a few spirited runs up to ~5K rpm with no launches and I got this crazy whirling mechanical sound on deceleration from 5k rpm. Then it started to smell like something was burning right after. I know it wasn't the clutch because that smell is very distinct. More of an oil burning type smell.

The sound came from the engine bay and i couldn't pin point where it was coming from since I was alone in the car, but after a minute or so it went away along with the burning smell.

This isn't normal is it??

Has anyone experienced this before? I've searched the forums and noticed that a lot of members here report strange deceleration noises and burning smells here and there, but it honestly shook me a little (its my first $30K+ car).

Please help...

I had this same issue on my 01 camry and it turned out my head gasket was leaking oil, and under decelarion, the fumes from the burnt oil would make it in to the AC system and hence the smell only when decelerating.

Hope that's not the issue in your case though.

It's not the headgasket.

Did you do anything to the car recently? Changed the oil, topped off any fluids, etc etc?

If the smell goes away, you're most likely okay. No check engine lights or service required warnings?

My last oil change was about 2 months ago. Since then I've done nothing more than clean my wheels.

I'm going to take it out again to see if I get that smell & whirling noise again later today.

I really hope I don't have to take it to the dealership... They're all so incompetent around here.

This may be a long shot but I experienced what could be similar noises and smells that turned out to be my AC clutch burning up and the smell was the serpentine belt that snapped when I stopped the vehicle and shut it off.

Does the car feel down on power?

The whirling sound only pops up on deceleration? Not on acceleration?

fortunately there is no loss of power (at least i don't feel any loss of power).

and yea the noise only happened during deceleration...

I've been trying to replicate the sound and it just isn't happening. which is a great relief. maybe it was a one time thing?

similar thing happen to me trying to burn honda civic si with nasty loud exhaust.....anyway the smell went away and couldnt replicate the smell.... still dont know what caused it.. didnt luch the car... just 5k~5.5k shifts..