1999 Dodge Stratus Strong oil/gasoline smell

AMYR440

MEMBER
1999 DODGE STRATUS
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
102,200 MILES

A couple of weeks ago I noticed my car smoking under the hood. I have a leak at the valve cover gasket that was leaking oil. We are in the process of getting this replaced, but have not yet. However, the engine takes quite a while to warm up (at least 15-20 min of driving when it is 30 degrees out). And when I turn on my heater, a strong smell of burning oil or gasoline is in the car. You can also smell it outside the car once it is shut off. Any idea what this could be? The smell kind of resembles lighter fluid (in fact when I started smelling it yesterday, I at first dismissed it thinking the neighbor was cooking on the grill).

1 Reply

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Inspect the engine carefully with a bright flashlight to see if you can find any fuel leaks. Follow the fuell lines to the injector rail and check the injectors for wetness or any staining on the parts around them that could be fuel. If any are found handle it ASAP, fuel injection works under high pressure and a small leak can become a big one quickly. As far as any other odors, the oil from the v/c can cause this a well as a plastic bag on the exhaust or any other fluid coming in contact with the exhaust. Check all fluid levels to see if any are low, then go from there