dmullen137

Looks like I dropped this in the wrong gen forum. Maybe an admin can move it for me? Sorry

Thanks in advance for your input!
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So my 2006 ES DD with 155k on it just got the switch to synthetic treatment on Thursday. I'll preface by saying that this thing is immaculate and has good maintenance history. It's looking like a mistake. It smells like a freaking oil rig fire everytime the engine gets up to operating temp. The gf and i were looking at Christmas lights last night cruising slowly and the heater was on recirculate and our eyes were watering. Yet everytime it has gone up on a rack at my indy mechanic, he tells me how clean it looks. Valve covers front and back have been done, plugs, pcv, throttle body gasket, air filter is a regularly maintained k&n, and the trans gets drained and filled regularly at the dealer (only thing I go to the dealer for)

​​​​​​I guess I'm just going to come out and say it. I owe $5300 on it still (bought it for 13.9k out the door exactly 3 years ago with 89k on it). I just want to poll the community as to what I should do. Start replacing gaskets? Trade it in? Not that I want a new payment per se. Should I just switch back to conventional and hope the problem goes away? I haven't even had a chance to take it back to my mechanic and see if he can spot any seepage. It's only been three days.

Sorry for the short book, but I'm really at a loss and thought I was doing a good thing for my old 3mz-fe lol. Any input is greatly appreciated! Just including some photos for context

And Merry Christmas!

hypervish

You mentioned it's only been 3 days, it may just be residual oil burning off from the oil change. The oil filter is in a terrible spot, and if you drop the filter pulling it out; it can make a mess and smell for a few days. Also, the engine cover has a gasket between it and the oil fill baffle. If that has disintegrated and you fill the oil too quickly, it'll overfill and start dripping down the block. That will also take a few days to burn off! Or your mechanic may have left something loose, etc.

I wouldn't jump to any conclusions, rather go visit your mechanic and have them take a look.

jagtoes

If it didn't smell before the oil change then someone screwed up doing the oil change. Take it back and complain.

chuyrobles

Does this have the oil filter below the exhaust manifold? Facing the front of the car? It would be same location as our Toyota Sienna; it does drip down the side of the engine block but I have never smelled burnt oil. If enough was spilled at the top, it could drain down to the exhaust and if you open the hood you would see some smoke from the oil burning off. As has been mentioned, give it some time.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

I bet it is the oil filter, which sits right next to the front exhaust manifold.. Check to make sure they put it on right. That smell is not related to using M1, which is a great oil.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

PS- Keep the car, it looks like it is in great shape and the 2006 was the best model year for that gen.