Is it normal for engine oil to smell like gasoline?
2 Answers
If there is a noticeable gasoline smell in the engine oil, it is not a normal phenomenon. It could be caused by a leaking fuel injector, which requires a thorough inspection. Such a fault is relatively serious, as the leaked oil can lead to poor engine lubrication. It is recommended to take the vehicle to a 4S shop for immediate inspection and repair. Specific details are as follows: 1. Slight gasoline smell: It is generally normal for engine oil to have a faint gasoline odor. This is because engine oil lubricates the cylinder walls, and the cylinders operate through gasoline combustion. 2. Fuel injector leakage fault: Internal leakage in fuel injectors is often due to early wear during use, causing fuel to continuously leak into the intake manifold under system pressure. External leakage usually occurs at the connection between the fuel injector and the fuel rail, often due to poor sealing at the contact surfaces.
I've been driving for over twenty years and often encounter issues with the smell of engine oil. A slight gasoline smell under certain circumstances is normal: generally, engine oil shouldn't have a strong gasoline odor, except for a faint hint after short trips right after startup, which is due to incomplete combustion residues and is considered normal. However, if it's noticeably strong every time you check, that's a bad sign—it could indicate internal engine wear, such as piston ring failure, allowing gasoline to leak into the crankcase and dilute the oil, possibly raising the oil level. Last time I ignored this, the oil thinned out and caused severe engine wear, leading to expensive and frustrating repairs. I recommend keeping a close eye on it, paying attention to oil quality during changes, and seeking professional diagnosis if the odor is strong—don't skimp on small expenses. After short trips, it's best to let the engine warm up for a few minutes to stabilize the temperature, which can help reduce fuel residues.
