What's probably wrong with my car if I can sometimes smell burning oil in the cab?
(2012-02-02 15:20:13) 1. Says: I have an '02 Nissan Sentra GXE with a 1.8L engine and about 82,000 miles. The burning smell is usually noticeable only when I've been stopped for several seconds after the engine has warmed up, and the vent, heater, or AC is on. Using recirculated air instead of fresh air with the AC helps keep the smell out.I suppose it's possible that what I actually smell is a belt, but the serpentine belt was replaced two or three months ago. Perhaps it's brake fluid or power steering fluid, but the brakes and steering work fine. Also, the transmission fluid appears clean.
It may be worth mentioning that I was rear-ended ten months ago, but the smell didn't begin to occur immediately after the accident.
Slightly relevant information is welcome, as are possible-but-not-probable explanations.2. Says: you need to inspect the valve cover gasket and the head gasket if what you believe is oil smoke it is common for both a head gasket and a valve cover gasket could be leaking and dribbling oil on the hot exhaust which can cause the smell you describe. my guess off hand is the valve cover gasket from the mileage on the engine.3. Says: Thats an oil leak. The oil is leaking on something hot (prob the exhuast) and making that smell. The reason you smell it when you are stopped is because the wind blows it away at higher speeds. They sell UV dye that you can put in your oil tank and look for the leak with a black light. Good luck.4. Says: check the valve pan gasket ! you might have the gasket leaking oil on the manifold and burning. then when you turn the heater on the fan picks up the odor off the oil burning.5. Says: Get a good bright flashlight and look around the valve cover and the exhaust system closely.
You're leaking oil from the engine compartment somewhere.
Good Luck6. Says: it is more than likely that you have an oil leak somewhere and it is getting on the exhaust. Have the valve cover gasket checked out . Tag: What's probably wrong with my car if I can sometimes smell burning oil in the cab?