So since getting my car in the spring I haven't been caught in the rain. The previous owner said it had never been driven in the rain. Tonight the car has 19,600 miles on it. We took the car out to diner and it rained... actually the second time it has gotten wet aside from washing since I've owned it. My bad. At the end of the 20 minute ride home, I started smelling a slight burning smell I have never smelled before. We had the heat on, but we use the heat all the time and are used to the smell that causes. When we pulled in the garage I opened the engine and stuck my head in there and there was nothing unusual going on aside from being told that I am way too worried about this car lol. However, when I went to the front of the car the slight burning smell seemed to be coming from the vent need the base of the windshield. I first noticed it in the cabin. The defrosters were on as well. Also, I should note the wipers were not gliding smoothly on the window.... not anything horrible but they were chattering across the glass. Could it be because they have not been used in 25 years? Dumb question I know, but I have to ask.

 

I believe that the 993 has heated wiper fluid nozzle/sprayers. Turns on automatically when the defrost is on. I would start checking there!

 

The smell is coming from ductwork that gives off a hot rubber smell when it gets hot and seems to intensify when it is hot and wet. The smell is coming from the rear of the car where it is pulled into the HVAC system. It is perfectly normal and you will occasionally smell it for the life of the car.
Andy

 

Thanks. Not sure why I'm still paranoid, but I keep expecting something to go wrong. So far so good. Getting in my last few drives before the weather turns.

 

I would definitely replace the blades on the wipers, that most likely will stop the blades from skipping.