Did an oil change on Patches 4 days ago and every day I've used it going to and from work I have been getting a hot, burning oil smell from under the hood. I don't have any visible new oil leaks, none that have not been there for quite some time, but I can't determine where it's coming from. Seems to be more prevalent on the passenger side of the engine bay, but that could be because from the engine fan blowing that direction.

Only thing I can think of is a bad or faulty oil filter...I did touch it while still running after I got home and it was very hot but I don't usually touch the oil filter so I'm unsure as to how hot it actually was...believe I read somewhere they should be about 10-20* deg more than the coolant temperature? Guess I should go for a drive and then use my inferred thermometer to check the temperature of the oil pan VS the oil filter.

 

Well did some checking this evening on things that could potential cause an oil smell...

-Both NP205 and NV4500 fluid levels are good, vents are hooked up and appear to be functioning.
-No oil hitting the exhaust anywhere
-no oil residue on the inside of the exhaust tailpipe, nor on my post turbo probe for the EGT's
-turbo oil feed and drain have no leaks
-power steering fluid level is good and no leaks on it or the hydro-boost brake system
-oil level is spot on and oil is still clean and does not smell burnt or cooked
-no oil leaks around the new oil filter
-no exhaust leaks from the V-band clamp and the down pipe and while it was running the exhaust smelled normal...no burnt oil smell coming from the tailpipe

The OEM oil pressure gauge in the dash shows the normal oil pressures that I see regularly but I'm going to hook up a manual oil pressure gauge to verify oil pressure.

I'm at a loss as to what could be causing this, it's not a faint smell either it's quite strong while the motor is running, I'm thinking of getting another oil filter and swapping that on and see if the smell persists.

 

This is a new one on me too...For the record, have you changed oil or filter brands or sources (Rotella and Fleetguard here)......Ben

 

Occasionally I'll get a burned rubber and burnt oil mixed up in my brain. Check the belts and things attached to them?
Infrared temp scanner may help quantitate oil temps as well. I would expect 170 or less at the filter, hot enough to burn skin.

 

What brand of oil did they put in? Years ago Rotella was nicknamed Rosmella because of similar issues with smell. I used to often smell a really bad smell after an oil change.

 

I get that every time someone else changes my oil. They always manage to spill the filter.

 

I do my own oil changes and used the same stuff I've been using for years. This was my swap to summer fluids so changing from Rotella T-6 5w40 to Rotella T-4 15w40, along with a Baldwin BT339 oil filter. I am very careful about oil spillage and usually only get a drop or two on to paper towels, so no oil on manifold or top of motor.

Hadn't thought about the serpentine belt...I really don't think so but will investigate and try to eliminate it as a possible cause.

 

Hooked up a manual oil pressure gauge and cold start jumped up to 60lbs at idle, and over 80lbs at about 1500rpm, went for a drive and once up to operating temps (180* T-stat) it showed approx 28lbs at idle and 60lbs at 1500rpm....so oil pump and filter are fine I think. Checked the oil temperature and it was 175 at the filter and about 150 at the oil pan...so not running too hot. Sprayed all the injectors looking for leaks and no bubbles from around the retainer nuts, the crank case vent tube...the blow by is minimal as usual and didn't smell of burnt oil.

I did notice while swapping over to my summer tires this evening that I was getting the hot oil smell around the passenger side wheel area...going to investigate that. Maybe the vent hose has cracked, or the diff is running low on gear oil, Or maybe the vent is plugged up and the gasses are escaping out the axle tubes?

 

I’ve used Rotella T ever since I owned a diesel truck I liked the new oil smell coming from the by pass tube til it’s run a while.Thashing Cow I was going to suggest the by pass tube but sounds like you ruled that out.So it’s not coming internally.

 

me too.


FIrst thing I thought of. It does go away after a while.

 

I know you've ruled out the oil filter but how would a bad one make a hot oil smell? Curious.

 

I have no research or data on this but my brain was suggesting that a bad filter might restrict the oil flow and thus allow it to run a little hot in areas and cause a hot burning oil smell?

 

Ah, I see. I dunno. Most quality oil filters have a bypass in case something happens.

Seems like I remember too that most engines only filter a portion of the oil at a time? Not 100% of what is being pumped? Maybe I'm just making stuff up now, I am getting to that age...

Keep us posted on what you find.

 

Welcome to my, uhhh...my uhhh...what was the topic again?......Ben

 

At our age we can hide our own Easter eggs, wait half an hour, and have no clue where we hid them.