engine oil smells like gas

I hear a weird noise when I accelerate, sounds kind of like something is grinding like metal on metal. Its faint but I can hear it when I am next to a car or wall. I checked my oil to make sure there was some in there, there was plenty, but it had a gas smell to it and it was black. I changed the oil about 3, 000 to 3,500 miles ago. I wouldn't think the oil would get that dark that quickly. Any suggestions would help. I have a '99 cherokee automatic, 4.0L, 4x4. Thanks.

Change the oil ASAP and take a sample in a jar. The oil and gas (if there is gasoline) should separate. You can smell it too.

If there is gasoline, reply to this post and we can give you suggestions.

I changed my oil and filter today took a sample and I'll tell you what I find tommorow, thanks.

If there is gas in your oil then I would recommend doing a compression test on the cylinders to see if you have a pressure problem which could be caused by bad piston rings or the rings themselves being lined up when they're not supposed to be. Let us know what you found after changing the oil though.