Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) diesel smell

[Tractorat]

Just got back from a 2500 mile road trip. This may have been there all the time, but I never noticed it. When I first shut the engine off after driving for a while, I notice a diesel smell up near the engine. As I said, maybe its always been there, but Ive never noticed it before.



Now, I did just have an oil change a couple of weeks before I left. I changed brands of oil. I have been mostly using delo 400. But this time, I switched to red line synthetic. Ive think I remember hearing that at least some oils will cause a diesel smell for maybe the first 1000 miles. But I didnt think synthetic would do that?

 

[Midnite]

I can't see how changing the type of oil would cause a fuel-like odor, but then I'm not very familiar with Red Line oil.

You might start looking at your fuel lines and connections--it's probably more likely you've got a small leak somewhere.

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks,
Im sure its probably a fuel leak somewhere. But, as I said, I have heard folks on this site talk about smelling diesel after an oil change. If I remember correctly, it was using delvac. Just wanted to ask about that before I start looking for a leak.

 

[RonaldLarson]

The odor you recall reading about was with Shell Rotella oil. It did not, however smell like diesel fuel. I had the same issue as you, and it turned out to be a leaking injection pump seal near the bottom/rear of the pump.

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks,
Ill take a look at that.
I did change the fuel filter a month or 2 ago. I was thinking at the time that I may have tightened it maybe a little to much. If I did, and crushed the gasket too much, could that be a possible leak ? I dont see any wet spots.

 

[Blu-meanie]

After 2 months you would most likely have a dirty spot unless it has a "real" leak.

 

[jeepit]

Ahhhh, the early days of Rotella!!

I loved that smell.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Feel under the bottom of the pump. I had the same problem on my 01 and it was one of those BB looking indentions had started to weep. If it is the fuel filter, you should feel it wet around the filter. Follow your fuel lines from the tank to the pump and then the return line. Look for cracking in the rubber lines. Also, check your injector lines for weeping or residue. Usually if you can smell it, there will be a wet spot somewhere. When you check the injector lines, make sure all the clamps are tight and that they haven't chaffed through the line.