hey there you go !
the old ( which I'm constantly going on about ) 'substitute and bypass'
Diagnostic Strategy.

like duh..........just remove the suspected offending object and see if that
makes a difference !

having to push up some to get the spare tire to fit is normal.
later model vanagons with wider stock tires have a 'drop down' area at the
front of the clamshell where the bolt goes so it'll take a thicker/wider
tire.
You can also use a spacer and a longer bolt.
it's an odd bolt thread though, so be careful- make sure you get the right
thread.

I'm assuming it really is a burnt rubber smell and not some other smell like
burning electrical or brakes/clutch.
Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: "neil N" <musomuso@gmail.com>
To: "Scott Daniel - Turbovans" <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
Cc: <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 2:22 PM
Subject: Re: Rubber Smell from front.

> Thanks Scott.
>
> I thought the 195 was too wide. When closing the clam, I have to push
> up on it (against the tire) to get it the past the latch.
>
> I guess I could pull one of wheels (they're 185's) and try, but does a
> 185 tire fit without having to push up on the clam shell to get it
> past the latch? Only 10mm difference though....
>
> And upon your suggestions, it occurred to me just now (like duh!) that
> I could remove the spare, drive it, and see if the smell persists.
>
> Neil.
>
> On Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 2:04 PM, Scott Daniel  - Turbovans
> <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>> I doubt it's your spare tire smelling from burning.
>> correct spare would be either 185R14C or 195/75 R14LT.
>> the hose can only get up to about 180 to 200 degrees max........
>> that wouldn't cause burning to the side of the spare tire I wouldn't
>> think.
>> Just drop the spare and take a temp reading on it with your trusty
>> infrared
>> temp gun, after a good hot run.
>> Or even just take the reading from the side without dropping the spare.
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "neil N" <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 12:27 PM
>> Subject: Rubber Smell from front.
>>
>>
>>> Hi all.
>>>
>>> Since my '81 Westy is now water cooled, the spare 195/14 tire (should
>>> be a 185/14 I presume), pushes the clamshell metal bar against the
>>> hose to bottom of rad.
>>>
>>> I can only assume the sidewall of the spare is closer to this hose
>>> than it should be.
>>>
>>> Could this hose be heating up the sidewall on the spare thus creating
>>> the
>>> smell?