Burning Oil Smell Through Vents And How To Eliminate

Are you in trouble with the blazing diesel odor in your vehicle? It is normally released through the air vents, producing nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. However, the roots of this awful smell are diversified.

Additionally, each type of burning oil smell through vents indicates a distinct issue to your car.

This writing will provide the typical causes of this phenomenon and useful tips to get rid of it.

burning oil smell through vents

Why My Car Has Burning Oil Smell Through Vents?

Here are some typical causes leading to the oil leak burning smell through the HVAC vents.

Oil Leaking Into Exhaust System 

When your vehicle’s engine is cracked, or its component is missing, the diesel will leak. The droplets of leaking diesel will fall onto hot surface of components inside the engine bay.

This phenomenon results in the smell of burning oil inside the cabin. When lubricant leaking happens, dripping gasoline on the garage floor or dust and grease coating the engine bay is detected.

Exhaust System

Leaking Oil Through Valve Cover

This is one of the most common reasons for the burnt oil smell in the car. The bad gasoline leaking at the back of the valve cover may lead to oil drip onto the exhaust system.

As a result, there will be a burning smell of grease from the engine bay.

It is hard to notice these leaks as the drops of lubricant evaporate quickly and leave no signs then. Meanwhile, the ones spouting from the valve cover tend to stay on the side. The engine is titled in this position by default.

When the valve cover’s bolt is loose or failing, diesel will seep. After functioning for a long time, its gasket may be worn-out and allow the lubricant to get out.

Timing Cover Gasket

PCV Valve Leak

PCV Valve Leak is installed on the valve covers to control the engine’s positive crankcase ventilation. When the PCV valve is out of order, the valve cover has to suffer from greater pressure.

Its bolts and gasket will be damaged as well. As such, the leaking burnt oil odor when it drops on the heated surface inside the engine bay.

The root of the bad PCV valve’s inactivity are cracks or drains in the vacuum hose, which connects the PCV valve.

Oil Spilled While Performing An Oil Change

Gasoline change is a process to ensure your car is in proper condition. However, the mechanic would accidentally spill some drops in the engine bay while replacing the greasy.

That’s why there is a burnt diesel smell in the car afterward. Don’t worry. The smell of oil after an oil change will disappear after double drives.

Make sure that you have the gasoline cap replaced after topping up the lubricant if your car smells like oil inside.

Oil Change
Oil Change

Exhaust Leak

Your car smells like burnt oil may be due to the exhaust common leaks. They pass the smell through the AC vents from the engine bay.

Particularly, when there is breaking close to hot exhaust pipes, engine manifold, or the catalytic converter, the gasses emission will cause the gasoline in the cabin.

Exhaust Leak

How To Get Rid Of Burning Oil Smell Inside Car?

Find The Cause

Based on the issues mentioned before, you can identify the reason why your car smells like it’s burning oil. The simple root that can be pointed out is gasoline spillage when you overfill the power fluid.

However, if the odor is the result of a brake, gear, or engine, it is harder to recognize the faulty component. You’d better have a mechanic check it thoroughly in this case.

Pay Attention To Minor Signs

There are some typical symptoms to take into account initially if you do not expect to smell oil while driving the car.

  • If your gear has trouble changing or there is an annoying sound during this process, the engine will be heated faster than usual. It leads to a decrease in diesel level without leaking signs.
  • When you notice that your brakes are not working instantly, do not let it be for a long time. As soon as your car smells like burning oil when idling, you can not just seal the leak to prevent the spillage.
  • The diesel rings and pistons are damaged if the broken gear crack is worn out. They will not secure the gasoline anymore.

Tips For DIY Identify The Root

  • With the exhausting leak, you should diagnose a puncture in a tire then spray soapy liquid close to the exhaust manifold and the cold pipes.

Make sure that you do it when the hot engine is cooled down. Wait for a few minutes; the leak is located at the position having bubbles forming.

  • To check if your PCV is functioning well, put your finger on it when the engine is running. If you feel significant suction, there’s no need to worry.

FAQs

Can I drive if my car smells like burning oil after driving?

The answer is based on the cause and source of the issue. If the gasoline’s strong smell comes from the heating system, you can continue driving. Nevertheless, long-distance is not recommended.

Meanwhile, in case the odor is strong or a serious problem from the heating system is identified, you should stop your car as soon as possible.

Finally, stop driving immediately if you are smelling oil through vents under the car. Wait for the mechanic to arrive without moving the vehicle any farther.

What Are Other Burning Smells From Cars?

Besides oil smell in car vents, there are some other burnt odors noticing that your car is not in proper condition:

  • Burning rubber. It means that your car’s engine is too old. It begins to wear out and will break down soon if you do not handle the source of this issue.
  • Burning plastic odor. This odor always originates from the fan or heater of your vehicle. Check the resistors, fans, or other mechanical components that expose high temperatures to find the culprit.
  • Burning coolant. When your cooling system is getting burned off, it releases a “sweet” scent. It comes from ethylene glycol, which is unhealthy.
  • Burning carpet. This odor appears when you ride the brakes too hard. Additionally, the seized caliper piston making the brakes drag is another reason.

Conclusion

That’s all necessary information about burning oil smell through vents. This is a common problem happening to vehicles.

However, there are numerous causes, and each one poses a different threat to your car.

Make sure that you have your engine checked and regularly maintained to prevent unexpected accidents.

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