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Eau de gaz is probably not a sign of trouble - (archive)

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Posted by David on October 16, 2000 at 09:46:22:

In Reply to: dumb question but, should your oil smell like gas? posted by Jess on October 15, 2000 at 22:04:10:

There's probably nothing wrong. Not all of the fuel in excess of the "stoichiometric" amount blows out the exhaust during cold starts and full-throttle runs. A tiny bit washes down the cylinder walls (the ring-to-cylinder-wall seal isn't perfect, especially before things "bed in") or blows out of the combustion chamber past the valve stem seals, giving the sump a hint of "essence of petrol". It only takes a few parts-per-million to give a definite smell of gasoline to the oil.

By all means, stop off at the dealer and let them check it. You could have a problem. But if they tell you the same thing, they're probably right. Then you'll have the complaint on file in case something bigger IS brewing. But it probably isn't.

BTW - this is part of the reason that I recommend changing oil after the first thousand miles. It may not make a difference. But it seems to me that adding a little gas, a little assembly lube, a few particles of fresh metal, and some eye of newt can't be good for cylinder walls and rings trying to get better acquainted with each other. Gasoline just ain't as lubricitous (oh, man, I LOVE that word!) as oil.


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