Burnt Oil Smell in Cabin on Start Up

[Rick H]

Hi all, N77 has just had Inspection 1 + air re-gas and I'm noticing, well can't help but notice a strong burning oil smell in the cabin at start up from the air vents.

The rocker cover has been off and gasket replaced during service but i cannot see any leaks.

It clears quickly.

Anyone any ideas?

[Bounce]

This is your best option

[Rick H]

Thanks :hahaha:

Are they the lighter CSL version?

[sailorbaz]

I'd say someone's spilled oil down onto your exhaust manifold and not cleaned it up properly.

It should burn off in a few days, although not cool.

[Monkey]

Does it happen every time? If oil is spilt it should burn off in a very short period. If it keeps doing it, sounds like there is a genuine leak there.

Only a small amount of oil drops onto the exhaust when taking the rocker cover off.

[Rick H]

Does it happen every time? If oil is spilt it should burn off in a very short period. If it keeps doing it, sounds like there is a genuine leak there.

Only a small amount of oil drops onto the exhaust when taking the rocker cover off.

Thanks chaps - and Bounce

Been last few times it's started - has done about 250 miles since service. No oil under car as yet - will see if it clears up of its own accord. Oil i on +0.9L

[cslsuperfan]

Hi all, N77 has just had Inspection 1 + air re-gas and I'm noticing, well can't help but notice a strong burning oil smell in the cabin at start up from the air vents.

The rocker cover has been off and gasket replaced during service but i cannot see any leaks.

It clears quickly.

Anyone any ideas?

Rick, start up from cold? shouldn't have any fumes for at least 15 secs if residue is getting onto headers....sometimes difficult to detect small leaks after driving as gravity tends to push leaking oil every which way.....possible solution...a white card/paper sheet under engine block and run the engine at idle for a few mins and see what's on the paper.

Any oil lost by the service tech should have long gone after 250 miles so could be a niggling leak on the r/cover.
Check air box pipe from the r/cover, oil filter housing etc, just might be something disturbed during Insp 1.

[Rick H]

Rick, start up from cold? shouldn't have any fumes for at least 15 secs if residue is getting onto headers....sometimes difficult to detect small leaks after driving as gravity tends to push leaking oil every which way.....possible solution...a white card/paper sheet under engine block and run the engine at idle for a few mins and see what's on the paper.

Any oil lost by the service tech should have long gone after 250 miles so could be a niggling leak on the r/cover.
Check air box pipe from the r/cover, oil filter housing etc, just might be something disturbed during Insp 1.


Cheers Ben, will give it another few cold starts this week and if still present, I'll drop it back to the garage for a look over.

There's no oil on the floor and dash reading is stable.