What to Do When Engine Oil Increases, Emulsifies Severely, and Has a Strong Gasoline Smell?
3 Answers
For hybrid version vehicles, increase the engine temperature by letting the engine work, drive on highways, and add some long-distance driving. For fuel version vehicle owners, try to warm up the car before driving, allowing at least 30 seconds of warm-up time. This helps solve the issues of severe oil increase, emulsification, and gasoline smell. Below is extended information on oil emulsification: 1. Oil emulsification refers to the phenomenon where ordinary engine oil turns milky yellow or milky white. It is a common occurrence, especially in winter when temperatures are low, and many northern regions experience oil emulsification problems. 2. Check the oil dipstick every two to three months. For vehicles equipped with direct injection engines, in areas with high urban humidity, low temperatures, and short driving distances each time, the inspection cycle should be shortened accordingly. 3. When checking the vehicle, ensure it is parked on a flat surface without any slope. Wait at least one hour after parking to allow all the oil to return to the oil pan before pulling out the oil dipstick.
I once encountered the issue of increased engine oil that turned milky with a gasoline smell. It happened last winter during my short-distance commutes. When I popped the hood, a strong gasoline odor hit me, and the dipstick showed overfilled oil with a milky, watered-down appearance. I immediately stopped driving and realized it might be due to incomplete gasoline combustion in cold temperatures seeping into the oil, combined with accumulated engine moisture causing emulsification. In such cases, avoid driving further—first, check the spark plugs and coolant for leaks, then urgently change the oil to lubricate and clean the internals. Next, visit a reliable repair shop for a full inspection—they can use equipment to test compression ratios and the fuel system to address the root cause. Delaying repairs can damage the engine, skyrocketing part replacement costs. Develop a habit of taking longer drives to warm up the engine for about ten minutes, avoiding frequent cold starts on short trips.
These symptoms clearly indicate that gasoline or water has mixed into the engine oil, often caused by worn piston rings, leaking fuel injectors, or intake manifold issues. Emulsified oil resembling milky water suggests a sealing failure; a strong gasoline smell indicates unburned fuel directly entering the oil pan. You must stop using the vehicle immediately, manually check the oil dipstick to confirm the abnormality, and avoid the risk of continued driving to prevent engine lubrication failure and cylinder scoring. Take it to the shop for a comprehensive diagnosis, have them perform a pressure test to check for piston ring or cylinder wall damage, replace the contaminated oil, and clean the oil system to prevent major repairs later. During routine maintenance, pay attention to controlling the engine operating temperature, as running too cool can accumulate moisture and worsen the problem.
