Coolant sensor + heat

[1994legacyrs]

Well I have ordered in a coolant sensor as that is what seems to be causing the problems I have been having. I just wanted to know where it is located and what to take off/how to get at it. I have read things saying its near the air intake and then others have said its behind the alternator.

Also I have been noticing a "hot burning" kind of smell coming the from the engine bay after the engine heats up. It almost smells like rubber burning. I have looked under the car at the exhaust and couldn't see anything out of the ordinary - I know this is very vague so I don't expect anybody to know the answer.

I thought it might be the turbo but it wouldn't smell like that and it boosts fine, I also drove home at 70km/h never the letting the turbos close to spooling up and boosting and the smell was still there.

Maybe the two problems are linked

[BC5RA]

Two coolant sensors.

1/ On crossover water pipe under the intake manifold.

2/ Underneath the alternator.

Burning smell could be anything, check your cam covers for oil collecting at the bottom.

[Guest boostin]

Judging by your username, you have a twin turbo. Their coolant temp sensors are in the front of the coolant cross pipe. Look down behind your alternator and you'll see it.

[Hailz]

Speaking from experience your burning smell will be the rocker cover gaskets as I have had that same problem with same symptoms, get genuine Subaru rocker gaskets if you can afford it when you do something about it as I had them fitted and have done 15,000km with no probs where as a friend of mine got a set from BNT and they lasted 2,000kms before they started leaking again.

[1994legacyrs]

Well I finished the oil service and by luck ran into a mechanic "off-duty" at the ramp who is into his Evo's and Sti's. He showed me the coolant sensor (apparently there is only one) under the alternator which you guys said ;D. He also showed me the "rubber smell" problem too. It was a nut gasket on the left hand side of the car above the exhaust. Apparently people replace the gasket there and forget the small gasket on the nut and it leaks a minute amount of oil which causes the smell as it burns on the exhaust. Should be a quick fix .

Thanks for your help guys, I will post results when I replace the coolant sensor.

[ReubenH]

A picture of the coolant temp sensor for prosterity...

[B4_685]

Hey mate, I know this thread is long dead, but do you have to remove the manifold to get to the coolant sensor? Just looking at the pic there, looks like it\'d be pretty snug to try and get a wrench in there....