Burning oil smell
 

Hey,
How do you diagnose an intermitant burning oil smell inside on a 2001 S4?

I can't see any oil leaking, doesn't use any oil, and it's very random and sporadic.
Once in a while, I get a hint of a burning oil smell in the car while driving.

I just had the oil changed too.

RE: Burning oil smell
 

DId you have the oil smell before you had the Oil change done??

RE: Burning oil smell
 

its normal to smell some oil after the oil change cause if some got spilled somewhere it is just burning off i had the same issue when i first had my oil changed at valvoline ..bring it to someone who gives 2 shits about your car..

RE: Burning oil smell
 

check your cam and valve cover seals, see if they are leaking...

RE: Burning oil smell
 

Also check the rear cam plugs on the back of the head, i just replaced two of them on mine after i already replaced the valve cover gaskets and cam adjuster seals and still had an oil burning smell.

RE: Burning oil smell
 

Where would I look?

I thought valve covers, but didn't have the time to take the gazzilion covers covering the covers that hide the valve covers off.

RE: Burning oil smell
 

prolly valve cover gaskets.. you can have a small leak and once it hits the hot pan it gives you the burning oil smell

RE: Burning oil smell
 

Is it bad to just ignore the smell if it doesn't happen all that often? I just had some of the seals changed when the timing belt service was done maybe 10k miles ago. I just noticed the smell when I started using the heater for winter time. Only happens every-once-in-a-while.

RE: Burning oil smell
 

i have the SAME exact problem, ittermittant burning smell when i use the heater,i still havent figured it out. i just need to find time and a garage to pull everything out and investigate, if you figure it out let me know hah.

RE: Burning oil smell
 

Yea, I have the same problem with my 2000 audi. Everytime I use my heater I could smell that burning smell from my vents. I popped my hood last night and you really smell that stuff. Anybody know what problem this is or should i still be driving? The smell was more like a burning rubber smell like a belt was wearing on something. First time its ever happened Please advise