A car that smells like burning oil can be a sign of a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
The smell can be unpleasant and can indicate potential damage to the engine or other car components.
In this article, we will discuss the 11 most common causes of burning oil smell in cars and provide solutions for each one.
11 Causes Why Does My Car Smell Like Burning Oil and How to Fix Them
There are 11 possible reasons for a car to smell like burning oil and their solutions:
- Oil Leaks
- Oil Spills
- Worn Piston Rings
- Valve Seals
- Clogged PCV Valve
- Overfilled Oil
- Oil Filter Housing Leak
- Failed Turbocharger
- Faulty Engine Control Module
- Worn Valve Guides
- Clogged Catalytic Converter
Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are one of the most common causes of burning oil smell in cars.
They occur when oil seeps out of the engine and drips onto hot engine components.
The smell of burning oil can be strong, especially when the oil is dripping onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter.
The solution to oil leaks is to identify the source of the leak and repair it.
This may involve replacing gaskets or seals, tightening bolts, or replacing damaged parts.
It is important to address oil leaks as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the engine.
Oil Spills
Oil spills can occur when oil is accidentally spilled during an oil change or when adding oil to the engine.
The spilled oil can drip onto hot engine components and create a burning oil smell.
To solve an oil spill, it is important to clean up the spilled oil and ensure that it is not dripping onto hot engine components.
Use an absorbent material, such as kitty litter or a specialized oil-absorbent product, to clean up the spilled oil.
It is also important to ensure that the oil cap is securely tightened to prevent future spills.
Worn Piston Rings
Worn piston rings can cause oil to seep past them and into the combustion chamber, where it is burned and creates a burning oil smell.
To fix worn piston rings, the engine may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
This is a complex and expensive repair that should only be performed by a qualified mechanic.
Valve Seals
Valve seals are small rubber seals that prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber.
When valve seals become worn or damaged, oil can seep past them and into the combustion chamber, creating a burning oil smell.
To fix worn or damaged valve seals, they will need to be replaced.
This is a relatively simple repair that can be performed by a qualified mechanic.
Clogged PCV Valve
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is a small component that helps to remove harmful gases from the engine.
When the PCV valve becomes clogged, it can cause oil to be pushed out of the engine and onto hot engine components, creating a burning oil smell.
To fix a clogged PCV valve, it will need to be replaced. This is a relatively simple repair that can be performed by a qualified mechanic.
Overfilled Oil
Overfilling the engine with oil can cause the excess oil to be pushed out of the engine and onto hot engine components, creating a burning oil smell.
To fix an overfilled engine, drain the excess oil and ensure that the engine is filled with the correct amount of oil.
It is important to check the oil level regularly to prevent overfilling in the future.
Oil Filter Housing Leak
The oil filter housing is a component that houses the oil filter.
When the housing becomes damaged or the gasket fails, it can cause oil to leak onto hot engine components and create a burning oil smell.
To fix an oil filter housing leak, the housing and gasket will need to be replaced.
This is a relatively simple repair that can be performed by a qualified mechanic.
Failed Turbocharger
A turbocharger is a component that increases engine power by forcing air into the engine.
When a turbocharger fails, it can cause oil to be pushed out of the engine and onto hot engine components, creating a burning oil smell.
To fix a failed turbocharger, the component will need to be replaced.
It is important to address a failed turbocharger as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.
Faulty Engine Control Module
The Engine Control Module (ECM) is a component that controls various engine functions. When the ECM fails, it can cause the engine to burn oil, which can create a burning oil smell.
To fix a faulty ECM, it will need to be replaced.
In this case, it would be advisable to get it diagnosed by a mechanic.
Worn Valve Guides
Valve guides are responsible for guiding the valves in the engine.
When valve guides wear out, it causes oil to leak into the combustion chamber and creates the smell of burning oil.
To fix worn valve guides, they will need to be replaced.
This is a complex repair that would be advisable to get it diagnosed by a mechanic.
Clogged Catalytic Converter
The job of a catalytic converter is to help reduce emissions from the engine.
When the catalytic converter is clogged, it can work to push oil out of the engine or onto hot engine components, causing the smell of burning oil.
To fix a clogged catalytic converter, it will need to be replaced.
A catalytic converter is a complex repair that would be advisable to get diagnosed by a mechanic.
How to Eliminate the Burning Oil Smell
The first step in eliminating a burning oil smell is to identify the source of the problem.
Once you know what's causing the smell, you can take the appropriate steps to fix the issue.
Here are some tips on how to eliminate a burning oil smell:
- Check for oil leaks and address them immediately
- Replace faulty gaskets and seals
- Use the correct oil filter and ensure it is installed correctly
- Have your oil changed regularly
- Check your oil level regularly and ensure it is not overfilled
- Address any engine issues, such as worn piston rings or a faulty PCV valve
- Have your turbocharger inspected and serviced regularly
- Address any transmission fluid leaks
Conclusion
In conclusion, a car that smells like burning oil can be a sign of a serious problem.
By identifying the source of the burning oil smell and implementing the appropriate solution, you can keep your car running smoothly and safely.
If you are unsure about the cause of the burning oil smell, it is always best to consult with a qualified mechanic.
Thank You