UhOh ...Gas Smell in Oil

[rico05]

So I pulled my valve cover today to take it to Home Depot Racing to find the correct size fitting to fit in the vent hole....

When I was cleaning the cover, I began to notice this smell. Took a good whiff. Gas. Looks like my rings are shot:(:(:(

But the odd thing is, I have perfect power, no oil loss, no white smoke (except 2 times for about 10 seconds at start up). I guess I need to bite the bullet and do a compression test:( And then head to SGP in Houston to have them do a rebuild for me.

[IvoryJ30t]

it probably just running rich, and you are having excessive cylinder washdown.

[rico05]

It is running rich. I really hope that is all it is...

[IvoryJ30t]

yeah, thats normal.

[JDizzle]

Do you live in Houston and attend school in College Station or do you just live in College Station?

[rico05]

No, I live in College Station and attend Texas A&M.

[boost_boy]

Quote »it probably just running rich, and you are having excessive cylinder washdown.[/quote] This is correct, though it's not cool at all. You will weaken your oil pump, wear out your rings, rod bearings and main bearings which will ultimately cost you your engine. Find out what's causing it run rich, but until then change your oil frequently.

Dee

[Rookie_ca18]

Damn rico... it seems like you have just been having the worst luck lately. Hopefully you get it sorted it out before something catastrophic happens.

[IvoryJ30t]

if it REAL strong [gas smell] then change your oil often [2k miles]

if its just noticeable, then its not as much of a worry.

a large amount of fuel in the oil dilutes it and causes every lubricated part to wear faster.

[rico05]

Thanks guys. I am still tryoing to figure out the rich problem. So far, the new O2 sensor seems to have fixed it quite nicely. I am testing out a new MAF as soon as I get it in the mail. The smell isn't too bad, but it is noticeable. It may also be in part due to the Rislone crankcase cleaner I used with my first few oil changes. It smells a lot like gasoline, but there is a definate gas smell there too.

Quick question: What all could cause it to run rich besides MAF and O2 sensor being bad?

[IvoryJ30t]

injector leak or faulty FPR.

[rico05]

Well, there is no gas smell under the hood w/ the engine running, so I think the injectors are good. I did unplug the FPR and there was no change in the way the car ran. Thoughts? Looks like a Nismo FPR is in the works...

[IvoryJ30t]

you would need a fuel pressure gauge to really see.

[Notchbackca]

you're turbo... it happens, change your oil... you'll be fine

[DAEDALUS]

So...you had the cover off the car, and the smell was coming from the cover? Or from the engine? Hard to pinpoint a gas smell under the hood. When the engine was running, that was after you put the valve cover back on?

Remember that the fuel rail is under 30+psi pressure at all times (unless there is a leak). If there is the slightest leak from any of the injectors or seals, gas will drip down into the cylinder. Vapors can permeate from the intake.A fuel pressure gauge really is worth the investment...get one that goes to at least 50 psi. A new one probably costs less than a new FPR. FPRs are pretty durable...they fail less frequently than seals and injectors.

[rico05]

Well, with the enigine all in one peice (ie valve covers on) I cannot smell any gas with the engine runiing or off. When I pulled the cover I smelled gas in the cover first, then I went and sniffed my cam and I smelled gas. Where do I hook the fuel pressure gauge to? Sorry to sound like a noob, but I am used to engines that love to run rich (read rotary).

[boost_boy]

It's definitely not your fuel pressure regulator! These engines rarely if ever give any problems. When they fail they fail and driveability problems are noticeable. If you unplugged the vacuum line to the FPR and didn't notice a difference, then you don't have a problem with your FPR. You won't see a major change at normal vacuum or soft revving. If you're running rich, suspect your afm, water temperature sensor, plumbing leaks or even an intake manifold leak.

Dee

[rico05]

Well, like I said before, I ahve a new temp sensor and even new wiring for that (spliced from the ECU to the sensor). I don't think I ahve a plumbing leak b/c I pull 20 in. Hg of vacuum and I sprayed every nook and cranny of the engine room with car cleaner hunting for a leak. But I am begenning to think the damn MAF is out. I wired it up according to Kevin's instructions that he did. I have had a MAF code a few times so looks like I am in the market for a new KA24E MAF...

Thanks guys, and Dee...always a pleasure taking advice from you.

On a side note: I began pricing out a SDS last nite...