When I either turn on my A/C or heat in my 87 GL Wagon I can smell a faint oil smell. It is not a burnt oil smell but more a used oil smell. I was wondering if this is something common that happens and what is the cause. Any advice would be much appreciated because it kinda gets to me after a while. Thanks a lot.

sometimes when HG's go, coolant and oil mix. maybe there in some oil in your coolant running through your heater core. but as far as i know that is contained, just an idea. maybe check heater core hoses?

I will look into that. Anyone else have any suggestions?

i would keep a tight eye on your coolant and oil levels. which ever one is gradually loosing fluid is where you want to start looking. get an air freshener or some allergies and you won't notice anymore!

I have the same problem, when I run the heater. I've kept an eye on all the fluids, and all are good and stay at the same level. The only thing I could guess, is bad CV boots that throw grease everywere. I don't know if that would be a diff. smell or not, or what it has to do with the heater being on.

Power steering fluid leak?

Do you only notice the smell when the car is not moving or is moving slowly? It could be oil seepage finding its way (as it always seems to do) onto the exhaust and the resulting smoke finding its way into the ventilation system. Higher speeds mean more air flow to blow away the smoke/smell.

 

Another possibility is that the PCV system is damaged and venting where the ventilation system can pick it up.

The smell seems to be pretty constant but is more noticable when I am sitting still. I was wondering if it could be the PCV valve? I was thinking about replacing that and see if it made a difference. The coolant and oil levels seem to be staying stable. I don't usually have to add any more than a 1/4 quart of oil between oil changes which I think is pretty darn good. Do you guys think that changing the PCV valve would be a good place to start? Thanks a lot for the advice.

I had a 93 Loyale that was leaking oil pretty bad and dripping onto the exhaust and burning the oil. This is definetely not that as my 87 GL does not even drip onto the ground.

Power steering fluid leak?

 

I concur. Drips onto exhaust. Same with transmission. Can't smell unless it drips while at a stop and only when heating/AC are running.

I replace the PCV's in my cars every couple of tune-ups (done every spring), which some would argue is too often. I figure that since it's only about $5, it's not a big deal. Given how easy and inexpensive it is to replace, I would definitely try it first. One very simple test for a PCV is to pull it out when the car is running. If the car keeps running after you've pulled it out, the PCV definitely needs replacing.

 

All the best,

BB

I will have to check the power steering and tranny. I am pretty sure that I don't have any leaks there either but I could be wrong. One thing I did notice was that when I took one of the hoses off the air filter housing that there was some oil in the hose. This is not normal is it? That is what made me think that is was something with the PCV system.

Anyone else have any ideas as to what could be causing this?

Bump

Check your exhaust for leaks. Probably just smelling exhaust.

 

GD

I also had the same problem.ended up being torn inner cv boot was slinging grease on the cat. converter.