I have an '04 2.7T 60k mi and got an oil leak fixed back in April, it was the cam adjuster seal. No more leak after that. Then I went in to get my oil changed in Sept and I had the dealer use synthetic. After the oil change, I could smell a little burnt oil in the cabin after the engine was warm, only standing still. Assume it would dissapate when driving. Ever since I got the oil change, the smell is still there. Seems to be worse after its been sitting overnight or so and can smell it at stoplights and such. However, there are never any leaks on the garage floor. Could it be seeping onto the manifold? I read somewhere that synthetic oil will find any and all weaknesses in seals and such. I took off the airbox and all the plastic covers of the engine and could see no leaks so I'm not sure where its coming from. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Tom

 

No blame on the synthetic oil. You have no options but to use it in 2.7.
The engine protector (underneath) shield will prevent (to some extent) oil leaking on the floor.
I'd suggest you drop the shield, observe it, wash it, wash the engine.
My guess is the seals are leaking again, as they leak just above the turbos, You could look at the back of the engine with a mirror or by hand (cold engine), or from underneath by the wheel.

 

Sometimes after a long highway run or a short hard run, I can smell oil when I pull the car into the garage. I have not found any evidence of leaks. I agree with checking the lower plastic oil shield. The only other spots are the valve cover gaskets and the seals.

It could also be gear oil -- I had a rear main seal leak on the MT6 and it dribbled very slightly but could cause odor.

Let us know what you find.

 

Gear oil smells differently - there is very distinct odor!

 

I just had my rear main seal changed on my 03' 2.7t, Audi kept changing the prop shaft seal thinking it was a faulty seal every time until I went back really pissed.