Can't identify smell (no leaks)

[Mook613]

While driving around, when I stop (ONLY with windows open or roof down) I get a whiff of a burning smell. It isn't quite as sweet as coolant, and not as acrid as oil. There is a slightly sweet smell to it and it isn't my heater core leaking.

I'm not loosing any fluids (save for a tiny bit of oil due to a stripped oil pan bolt and a poor repair job).

I was told that it may be a compound in my brake pads (manufacturer is Pagid, with Zimmerman rotors) that is burning off. Those pads and rotors were installed several thousand KMs ago.

If I leave my car running when I get home I am unable to smell it, even with the hood open. It seems to smell for a short time when coming to a stop.

Any ideas? Am I just being paranoid about an old set of brake pads that may be filled with asbestos?

[dnguyen1963]

Asbestos are basically glass fibers. There would be no burning smell from them. I suspect that you might have some oil dripped onto the exhaust and burnt off during driving.

[Das Delfin]

check your valve cover to see if oil is seeping out and onto your exhaust manifold gaskets