Hi all,

My first post here. I tried to search for the answer to my question but was unable to find what I was looking for.

I have a 2003 JCW Coupe with 36K miles. 2 oil changes ago the oil was overfilled (5 quarts). Since that time I smell burning oil after driving while the car is stopped with engine idling (like at a traffic light). The smell goes away as soon as the car starts moving again.

I have taken off the intercooler several times and there is always some oil pooled in the rubber bellows. Is that what I am smelling? I know the IC gets heat soaked pretty quickly when the car is not moving, could it be that oil that is burning?

I have an aftermarket intake (Mini Madness) but that was installed long before this problem started happening, so I don't think that is the culprit.

The car uses a little oil, but nothing excessive - I consider it well within normal. Changing the PCV valve did not help. Neither did another oil change with proper fill. Installed an oil catch can but that also did not help.

I am wondering if the overfill did any permanent damage, and why oil keeps collecting in the IC. The car runs fine, there is no indication of any problem other than the smell.

Anybody else have this problem? Any suggestions for where the smell is coming from, or what I can do about it? It's driving me crazy.

Thanks,
Modavi

 

You may have a leak that is hitting something hot. There is an odor there all the time, but since you are moving, you can't smell it. Once you stop, it can be detected.

I would check for visible signs of a leak and see where that leads.

 

Don't think your oil was overfilled. The '05 and '06 MCS both take 5 qts. of oil with a filter change.

 

I would check the valve cover gasket.

I would also check the 0 ring gaskets for each spark plug cylinder. Pull the plug boots and take a peek down inside and check for any oil pooling around the spark plug.

Check the areas in back of the valve cover for seepage. Not a difficult task to change it. Just lots of parts to remove. Depending on the condition of the valve cover bolts, good idea to have a new set on hand if they are in bad shape.

If you do the cover gasket, get the O rings too. Get it all done at once.

Another thought. Any idea if it could be coolant from a leaking bottle dripping down to heat source. That has a rather nasty burning smell as well. They are also prone to leaks as much as the valve cover gaskets.

 

Gray Raven, thanks for the suggestions. I will be taking it to Greasy's soon so Pete can have a look.

Modavi

 

Sorry to revive an old thread but was this ever sorted? I have exactly the same issue. Checked the spark plug seals and there is a bit of oil around lead one, so I have 4 new seals and a gasket on order, just need to find the time to remove the cover and fit them.

Was this your issue in the end Modavi?