Oil Smell

[speedtriple]

If I stop before the car has warmed up - maybe less than 2 kilometers - i get this oil smell when the windows are down - cant detect it in the engine area or if i drive until engine is up to temperature - any knowledge?

[veedubmechanic]

Check your PCV lines. IF the hoses are cracked you will smell oil smell in the engine bay.

[limacina]

I had the oil smell in my car too. Someone on this forum (Boshman) told me I probabally needed a valve cover gasket, he said the oil leaks out the back down onto the exhaust and vaporizes causing the smell and leaving no sign of the leak.
I added some gasket seal oill additive which attacks your dry seals and softens them. then 1000 miles later, I retorqued the valve cover. I haven't had the problem since. Admitedly, I may have gotten lucky.
It only cost me a couple dollars and was worth trying before changing the gasket.

[speedtriple]

Originally Posted by limacina

I had the oil smell in my car too. Someone on this forum (Boshman) told me I probabally needed a valve cover gasket, he said the oil leaks out the back down onto the exhaust and vaporizes causing the smell and leaving no sign of the leak.
I added some gasket seal oill additive which attacks your dry seals and softens them. then 1000 miles later, I retorqued the valve cover. I haven't had the problem since. Admitedly, I may have gotten lucky.
It only cost me a couple dollars and was worth trying before changing the gasket.

Seems thats exactley what it was - the valve cover wasnt torqued and leaked over the exhaust manifold - all fixed.

[limacina]

Took the Passat to Upstate NY this weekend, 5 hour ride. Noticed the burning oil smell again at a stop light. Theres no substitute for doing the job correct.
I'll have to order up a valve cover gasket soon.