Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil Smell Until One Quart Low

[BLandau]

Every oil change, I smell burning oil (similar to spilling some on the exhaust) for about 600 mi. When I check the fluid level, it will show one quart low. This has happened since I have owned the truck. The truck did leak oil for a while, but the dealer stopped it by replacing one of the covers on the front of the engine and performing the relocation of the breather tube (TSB 09-002-02). I gave it a few months, but when I change oil again the strong oil smell was back. If I top off the engine, the smell will return until another quart is burnt. The dealer does not know what to do. Any suggestions?



Truck Data:

Purchase truck with 36,000mi in 2002.

Vehicle currently has 72,000mi

Switched to Schaeffer 15W40 in January 2004

Vehicle has no visible oil leaks.

Change oil with 10qts + 1qt in filter

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Neither of my trucks have ever used any oil between changes so I find that interesting. With that being said you can find quite a bit of information on here about the oil smell after an oil change and the fact that you can't do much about it other than try a different oil brand. Around here Shell Rotella is nicknamed "Rosmella" just for that reason. Some of the addatives in the oil are off-gassing for lack of a better word and that is what you are smelling.



As far as the oil consimption goes, are you using synthetic? I've seen talk about other types of engines consuming alot of oil when switched to synthetic. Other than that my father had a ford with a 302 in it and it would use 1/2 quart and stay there, if you topped it back off it would use a 1/2 quart again and stay at that level. Some engines like a certain amount of oil and will consume anything more than that amount.

 

[GerryDrake]

Other thread

Take a look at the thread in the 3rd Generation/Engine Transmission forum titled ... The "infamous" burning oil smell - where from ?



Seems like it has been around for quite a while... some suggestions and answers are there. .

 

[BLandau]

I tried to do some searches on oil smell, but was unsuccessful. Maybe I need some more practice.



Anyway, I am currently using Schaeffer #700 Supreme 7000 15w-40 www.schaefferoil.com/data/700.htm which is a synthetic blend. Prior to 2004 I was using Rotella.



The oil usage is definitely much more bothersome that the oil smell. If I remember correctly, Schaeffer told me that sometimes an engine will us oil for a period of time after switching brands. Unfortunately, I have been using oil the whole time.

 

[jwernert]

I've seen the same thing on my truck. 01 HO 6sp. It doesn't leak a drop, but is always a little low at every change. I've even added between changes and it always ends up at the same place. I the smell only lasts for the first day or so after an oil change.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Rotella in particular has a strong odor to it when fresh. My truck Reeks of it for the first 1-200 miles or so. the vapors from the breather contain some of the detergents in the oil and thus are carried thru the air straight to your nostrils.

 

[CAW440]

My 91, 94 and my 01 had that odor until I went from Rotella to Chevron Delo 400 , no more odor. But I never have had an oil consumption problem on any of my trucks.

 

[bmoeller]

The Rotella sure does have a noticeable scent to it. I can smell it for almost 1,000 miles after the change. Don't have the weird oil consumption that you have. VERY rare to add any oil at all. Maybe twice the 2+yrs I have owned the Ram.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

BLandau, Double check and make sure your turbo is not drawing oil past the center section bushings. A worn out unit will show oild wrapping arround the outer edge inlets bore and headed straight into the inlet itself. Or just pop off the outlet elbow and look inside for oil residue (Will be very obvious) .

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Another question, are you checking the oil immediately after shutting the engine off? Do you check the oil level immediately after the oil change and after having run the engine? I ask because the dip stick reading will vary quite a bit between just shut down and a couple hours later after things drain down.

 

[BLandau]

Good idea with the turbo. I will try to check it today or tomorrow. My only thought is that oil usage seems to be reduced once I burn off the first quart.





(Turbo Tim) Typically I check the oil before I leave in the morning. That way the oil has had all night to make it back to the sump. You are right about the variance in the readings.