For the last couple of months my car has been.

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HYUNDAI TIBURON
  • 120,000 MILES
For the last couple of months my car has been putting off a burning oil or gas smell. From what I can tell, it's not immediately once the car has been started or when the car is cold. When I drive to work (approximately 21 miles on the highway one way) I shut the car off and once I get out I can smell it. To me it smells like it's coming from the front of the car which would make me lean towards oil. However the oil is changed on schedule and it even still occurs right after fresh oil changes. As far as I can tell there isn't any oil leak as the headers are clean and there is no residue under the car from dripping oil. The car runs fine mechanically and doesn't appear to have anything wrong, just the smell. Please help. Thank you.
Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 1:52 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If it happens just asfter oil changes see if oil has been spilled on the engine and is dripping down to the exaust either on top or bottom of motor. That wouuld give you the smelll you are experiencing. Other than that there would have to be a an oil or coolant leak which should be kind of obvious if it's oil. Coolant can be pressurechecked for leaks. But from what you describe it sonds like spillt oil after a change eitehr from the oil filter or putting oil in.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 2:51 PM
Tiny
CIPRIMM23
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Its not just after the oil change. I was mentioning that I can still smell it right after a change (trying to rule out the possibility of the car running dry on oil. Like I said the manifold appear to be clean of oil. Im getting close to another oil change, so I shouldn't STILL me smelling burning oil if it was smily. Correct?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 3:04 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Oil, coolant and gas smells differently and unless you are able to distinguish between them and tell us what the smell really is before we are able to suggest what could be wrong.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 3:22 PM
Tiny
CIPRIMM23
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
It smells like burning oil. My wife says gas haha.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 4:20 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
If it is oil that is burning, most probably there is a leak and is dropping onto the exhaust system. You need to get under vehicle to check fopr signs of oil. It could be from the oil pan or end seals.

Remember to check your oil level.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 4:32 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Burning Oil Content

VIEW MORE