My 1997 has a burning rubber type smell from engine only when A/C is on

[suga876]

My 1997 Civic has this constant burning rubber type smell only when the A/C is on. Can not seem to find where it's coming from, anybody else ever had this before?

 

[Brak]

Sounds like a belt issue.
either your belt is loose, or you have a bad compressor.

when you turn on the AC, it engages the compressor which adds resistance. if the belt tension is loose, that additional resistance can cause the belt to slip, and rub on the spinning parts.

if the compressor is bad, it can lock up when engaged, causing the belt to slide over it, again causing friction, and burning the rubber belt.

 

[nd4sped]

Does it make a loud squealing sound when the AC is turned ON?

If so this is a common sign of either a failing compressor clutch bearing or compressor shaft bearing. Ive mostly run into the clutch bearing locking up causing the belt to slide over the pulley as mentioned above by Brak. Friction = heat = melting/burning rubber.