So I have an 1996 850 Turbo wagon which just recently had some work done on it. Timing Belts were replaced and some other minor things were done. Anyways, after I got my car back from the shop as I would drive and then come to a stop I could smell and see smoke coming from under my hood. I took it back to the shop who said that it was probably just residue from the work done that fell on the engine that was being burned off. They also said I needed a new oil filler cap because oil was leaking out and being burned, another possible cause. So I went to NAPA and got a new oil filler cap only to CONTINUE to smell the burning. I got mad today and popped the hood to look and smoke started coming from the back plate directly behind the engine, which looked red hot..the back plate looked that way not the engine. The oil levels are fine and I am about to drive from Spokane, Washington to Houston, Texas and do NOT want to break down in the middle of no mans land. I have no idea what the cause could be, or how long I could drive before it gave out. I leave within a week and can not be held up by an issue like this. Any help I will be grateful for!

 

Besides the timing belt, what other work was done?

As for the red hot back plate, is it the heat shield on the firewall?

 

I had the back right strut replaced as well but that was earlier. When they replaced the timing belt I believe the rest was just replacing oils and the such. As for the back plate yes I believe it is the heat shield but I have never had the problem w the smoke and burning odor