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The "infamous" burning oil smell - where from ?

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Need inputs on several questions

Could the Rear End just need an ADJUSTMENT??? PLEASE REPLY

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As the topic eludes to ... ...



I know there are a zillion posts out there on oil brand recommendations. My question is this ... ... It seems like there are many references to the oil smell coming after an oil change, and lingering for 500 miles or so after. Where is this smell originating from ? Some folks have less or more smell, depending on brand of oil. I ask, because I now have it after changing the factory-fill at 3745 miles. I "think" all brands have it to a certain degree, but what causes it, and makes certain brands more noticeable than others ??? :confused:
 
I haven't noticed any difference in the smell at oil change time. Same before and after, and it depends more on where the wind is coming from than anything. I am on the third oil change so far. I use Mobil 1300 super.
 
On my 2nd Gen I definitely noticed the Mopar Oil Stunk less than the Rotella I changed with at home. The smell would dissipate as the mileage rolled up before the next change.
 
Mopar has just come out with an additive you put in when you change the oil to reduce or eliminate odor concerns. Don't have the part number handy.
 
oil smell after oil change

Just did my 4th oil change, and AGAIN, as every time, including when I first got it, the infamous oil smell coming in through the vent system.



All changes were Dello 400, but after talking with a number of people that have had similar problems in prior years, I am going to find where the cranckcase vent tube is and extend it back at least to the front of the bed. That seems to have solved it for many.
 
Crankcase vent tube DEFINITELY makes sense. I wonder what makes a fresh oil change cause the smell though ? Seems as though after a few hundred miles, regardless of brand of oil, that it goes away... ... ????
 
Maybe the 'smelly' molecules get caught in the soot, thus held in the oil rather than vapors ?... (said halfway in jest - halfway serious)
 
I get the smell everytime, on both my 03 and my old 99. I just saw a flyer for the Mopar additive that they claim they install at the factory. I'll try and dig it up!
 
I had my truck in to dealer for replacement of the door seals for the TSB, and asked about the odor in the cab. I get it all the time when I stop at a light or stop sign, and frequently even at a "rolling" stop. I was told it is clutch smell where it is new and not seated yet. Only have 1600 miles on the clock. Was told to give it more time. At least the issue is documented if it continues. Gonna pull a 7K or 8K trailer next month that should help breakin.
 
My neighbor has a 03 2500 4x4 h. o. etc. he came over to my house yesterday and we sat in his truck talking. Its got 111k and change. Had the burn oil smell bad. Had a oil change day before with Smelltilia. Says it does it every oil change for several days.
 
Oil Smell

I could have sworn that my 2001 had an oil injector aimed at the exhaust. It triggered by the removal of the oil drain plug, and cycled for the first few days after removal.



The new truck doesn't have the smell yet.
 
The odor is coming from the crankcase vent and travels back up into the engine compartment where it is sucked into the passenger compartment through the cowl vents.



When coming to a stop if you switch your HVAC control to recirculate rather than fresh air you won't get the odor.



There is a fix for it here:

http://www.rounsevell.com/blowby.pdf



I was concerned about health and while not expecting any carbon monoxide (CO) from that area, just for fun I placed a CO meter under the hood with the the engine running and recorded none.
 
The 'Fix'

Matt... I am curious if you have gone to all the trouble to fix what DC apparently can't figure out, removing the cowl, taping holes and such.



While I appreciate your suggestion to switch to recirculate when coming to a stop, and I have been doing that, it seems like DC should have figured out by now how to prevent it. I suspect I will be routing a rather long extension of the crankcase vent, but if they are still leaving out the 'scupper plugs' and such, that is unbelievable... and stinky !!



Thanks for finding the fix you listed. Maybe we ought to take our trucks to the dealers, and if they say there isn't a problem, have them sit in the truck with the fan on and pepper spray the radiator... :D :D :D
 
Re: The 'Fix'

Originally posted by GerryDrake

Matt... I am curious if you have gone to all the trouble to fix what DC apparently can't figure out.

Not yet but I should have mine apart this weekend.



Maybe we ought to take our trucks to the dealers, and if they say there isn't a problem, have them sit in the truck with the fan on and pepper spray the radiator...



That would be a good one!!! Oo.
 
My truck has had Rotella, Delvac, and Delo in it. Each of the oils has its own odor when its new. I usually run Rotella and don't notice the smell at oil changes but if I put Delo or Delvac in it I definitly notice a different smell. I can definitly smell the Rotella though when I change back to Rotella. I think I have run Delvac two times, Delo two times, and Rotella eight times in 70,000 miles. My opion on smell from is Rotella is stongest, Delo is second, and Delvac comes in third.
 
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