i have just recently bought a 92 toyota camry for $1000.00. i noticed a few days later that everytime i stop at a stop light there is a distinct smell of burning rubber coming from somewhere. just today, when i stopped by the store to pick up a 6 pack i let the car run while i was inside. when i came back outside i could see smoke in the headlight beams. i sure hope its nothing too serious. but if anyone might know what might be wrong with it please ....please shoot away !!!!

 

A few suggestions:

Oil leaking from bad valve cover gasket onto the exhaust.

Picked something plastic on the road that became lodged in the exhuast system.

Engine accessory drive belts.

Alternator overheating

Electrical wires overheating.

 

starting to believe it could have something to do with the power steering pump now. when first started steering is hard and loud. after a few minutes of use the difficulty and noise seems to disappear. cant be the altinator for i have just had it rebuilt. checked all the hose clamps and wiring. they seem to be intact. but i am getting a bit of spray off the belts onto the hood. seems to be coming from the front seal area ? still not sure but i am slowly zeroing in on the problem.

 

could have something to do with the gaskets too. i noticed an oil leak towards the back side of the engine.