that occurred to me too. I live in South Louisiana. But it's definately coming from the car.
Smells Like Oil
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 159
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Smells Like Oil
My 2004 has started smelling like oil. There are no signs of leaks or burning oil and level is full. Cap is tight and Oring is intact. I thought maybe PCV valve, but found out it doesn't have one. Does anybody have ideas of where it could be coming from?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 812
Likes: 2
From: Metairie Louisiana
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 915
Likes: 0
From: salinas ca
I have the exact same problem, but with two totally different motors. Does the car use any oil between changes? I have an 01 camaro with a V6 that uses half a quart between oil changes, and an 01 3500 496 truck that uses over a whole quart. Both have low quality valve seals that cause oil to be sucked down the valve guide and burned off in the exhaust. It explains both the usage of oil and also the smell. Does it get worse when you decelerate? I know it may not be your problem, just something to think about if you find no visible signs.
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Brett Foote
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 13
From: San Jose CA
I had the same thing a few years ago - mine had that distinct odor I associate with gear oil, not engine oil; but it definitely seemed to be coming from the engine compartment and not the transmission or differential. I never did track down the source, and nothing was leaking.
It did finally stop when I had some work done on it, but it may have been coincidental. I had the passenger-side A.I.R check-valve replaced (code p1416). To do that the intake manifold had to be removed, and as long as it was off, I asked them to replace the oil pressure sensor. That was 3 years ago, and the odor has never returned. Might you have an active p1416 code? It's a long shot, but thought I'd share my experience.
It did finally stop when I had some work done on it, but it may have been coincidental. I had the passenger-side A.I.R check-valve replaced (code p1416). To do that the intake manifold had to be removed, and as long as it was off, I asked them to replace the oil pressure sensor. That was 3 years ago, and the odor has never returned. Might you have an active p1416 code? It's a long shot, but thought I'd share my experience.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 159
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Checked under rear. No sign leak anywhere. All diagnostic codes are LDCM and RDCM and all are history. Car does not use any oil between changes. Last oil change was about a month and half. One thing there ... I let the oil change dude talk me into Royal Purple. I never have used anything except Mobile 1 til then. Could that be it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '06
Checked under rear. No sign leak anywhere. All diagnostic codes are LDCM and RDCM and all are history. Car does not use any oil between changes. Last oil change was about a month and half. One thing there ... I let the oil change dude talk me into Royal Purple. I never have used anything except Mobile 1 til then. Could that be it?
Good luck
Nick
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 770
Likes: 1
From: Maple North Carolina
No leaks...Maybe he spilled a little bit of oil on the motor while filling it back up and that is what you are smelling? A little drip from a can will get in places that gets really hot...
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I have noticed that after "spirited" driving the smell of the tires can smell similar to burned oil. Could that be what you are smelling?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 159
From: Lafayette Louisiana
It's been over a month since oil change. And, heh, heh, I know the burning tire smell from "spirited" driving. 
I pressure washed underhood and underneath yesterday afternoon. Hopefully that will get it.
I pressure washed underhood and underneath yesterday afternoon. Hopefully that will get it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 159
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I found it! There's a hose that runs from engine valley to manifold. Only about 4 in long. It's part of the PCV system, but the 2004 does not have a PCV valve. It makes a very sharp bend to make the connection. There was a split in the bend that was letting just a drop of oil get on the hot engine. The hose was marked GM 11/32 but I couldn't make an 11/32 hose slip over the fittings. Wound up using 3/8 PVC hose. Also, I could not make a hose as short as original go on without a kink in it. Made replacement longer with a gradual loop. Thanks for everyone's advice!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,050
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
I found it! There's a hose that runs from engine valley to manifold. Only about 4 in long. It's part of the PCV system, but the 2004 does not have a PCV valve. It makes a very sharp bend to make the connection. There was a split in the bend that was letting just a drop of oil get on the hot engine. The hose was marked GM 11/32 but I couldn't make an 11/32 hose slip over the fittings. Wound up using 3/8 PVC hose. Also, I could not make a hose as short as original go on without a kink in it. Made replacement longer with a gradual loop. Thanks for everyone's advice!
If your 2004 Vette has no PCV valve then what is this for?
Description:PCV Year:2004 MSRP:$4.58 Your Price:$3.39
GM>>>PCV valve, Corvette
2004 retail$4.58 our price$2.71
I have a 2004 Corvette also and I thought it had a PCV valve...
Last edited by Yello95; Jul 18, 2010 at 04:32 PM.
