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burning oil smell?
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 8:22 pm
by pcorpe
no recent oil changes, no leaks underneath, no puddles in the garage, however, i'm getting a burning oil smell, not all the time but most.
I think it's emanating from near the air intake tube (maybe?) not sure.
anyone else found and solved this one?
Re: burning oil smell?
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 10:56 pm
by DJ Kill
Looking for same problem about a year! No luck...
And all oil levels (engine, hydraulic) stays stable!
So, check all oil levels (gearbox may be a bit complicated). This will narrow your search.
Or remove the engine and inspect everything. Finally you will remove the engine to fix it... It's RS6.
P. S. I think most common place - O-ring under oil filter you replace just because "if in doubt - replace O-ring"?

Re: burning oil smell?
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 11:49 pm
by Jim Haseltine
The ribbed breather pipe that goes to the top of the oil tank is prone to going brittle - looks fine but can be cracked allowing fumes out.
Then as soon as you touch it it ends up in pieces in your hand.
Only other thing I've heard of is the cam chain covers leaking down onto the down pipes - about the only way you'll find that (and certainly the only way you'll seal them) is to drop the engine & 'box.
Re: burning oil smell?
Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 9:06 am
by DJ Kill
Also head covers sealing. Rear crankshaft sealing.... Many more options.
Re: burning oil smell?
Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 9:12 am
by pcorpe
Thanks for the suggestions chaps, the breather pipe sounds the most obvious place to start, but i've noticed the issue is both sides of the block, i've even seen oil smoke on the passenger side (RHD) so has to be something that is duplicated. that makes me think head covers or cam chain area.... humm what fun, let the games commence.
Re: burning oil smell?
Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 9:35 am
by Jim Haseltine
DJ Kill wrote: ↑Mon Feb 19, 2018 10:56 pm
P. S. I think most common place - O-ring under oil filter you replace just because "if in doubt - replace O-ring"?
If you mean the big O ring seal on the oil filter screw cap, then that should be replaced every time the cap is removed because they don't reseal properly.
Re: burning oil smell?
Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 12:12 am
by DJ Kill
Jim Haseltine wrote: ↑Tue Feb 20, 2018 9:35 am
If you mean the big O ring seal on the oil filter screw cap, then that should be replaced every time the cap is removed because they don't reseal properly.
No, this O-ring is the part of the filter.
I mean that part: 079103121BE
Between oil filter bracket and engine.