Burning (oil?) Smell Through Ac

[simply_mighty]

Hi guys,

I recently purchased my M35 250T RS privately and am based in Canberra.

Today while driving home from work I noticed a distinct burning-oil-type smell coming from the AC vents that disappeared when the AC was turned off. Additionally, when I pulled over and opened the bonnet I could see a faint smoke (if you will) coming from the passenger side near the dipstick. The car was only recently serviced on Tuesday last week and the previous owner has not had any trouble with the car in such a way before.

I had a quick look underneath and there is a bit of oil residue/seepage near the turbo (Passenger side). I haven't noticed a decrease in boost pressure and engine temps are fine (as far as stocko guages can tell me). From work colleagues who have been car pooling with me at the time and on earlier dates; they say they've noticed it very briefly when driving around but thought it was the vehicles that were in front of us at the time.

The main thing is, my partner's car is in strife and we're due a baby any day now so I want to know what this is so I can rectify it ASAP, so I ask what are possible options for this?

P.S - LONG time reader, first time poster

Sean

Edited September 16, 2010 by simply_mighty

[chook]

check oil level, make sure wasnt overfilled, or possible one of the turbo oil lines is leaking.

[iamhe77]

As chook said, check the oil level... but you should know that a common complaint with the VQ25det is that the passenger side bank will leak oil from under the cam cover. It may be leaking and dripping onto the turbo which could explain the smoke. "Simple" solution is to have the gasket under the cam cover replaced.

If the previous owner went nuts with the degreaser, might that actually be what you are smelling?

[dimi108]

Check my thread. I'm betting money you've got the same leak as me: http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/Le...tml&hl=leak

[alu-siv_stagea]

perhaps some oil leaked out of the oil filter at time of service and dripped down around the gearbox i noticed it a couple of times when i did servicing on my series two, and its the same story a burning smell through the vents and minor smoke from under the bonnet.

[scotty nm35]

It sounds like the passenger cam cover seal, common leak point and it drips onto the turbo. No cause for alarm just annoying until it is fixed.

[simply_mighty]

So the general consensus is that it is a relatively easy fix?

Where would I go about sourcing a gasket if need be?

Sean

[scotty nm35]

So the general consensus is that it is a relatively easy fix?

Where would I go about sourcing a gasket if need be?

Sean

Nissan, I think it was around $70 unless that was an imported price. It isnt the same as the 350z so I will have to get the part no. for you.

Not a big job, just be careful with the rear section, its hard to keep the rubber gasket in the groove due to the heater pipes. You will need to remove the top part of the plenum first though.

[iamhe77]

So the general consensus is that it is a relatively easy fix?

Where would I go about sourcing a gasket if need be?

Sean

Nissan

Part #13270-AL612

Should be around $20 and will have to come from Japan (10 day lead time)

Edited September 16, 2010 by iamhe77

[simply_mighty]

Cheers iamhe77 - is that for both or just the one bank? I assume just the one bank although I may as well do both while I'm there

Sean

Nissan

Part #13270-AL612

Should be around $20 and will have to come from Japan (10 day lead time)

[iamhe77]

Cheers iamhe77 - is that for both or just the one bank? I assume just the one bank although I may as well do both while I'm there

Sean

Just the passenger side bank mate.

If the driver's side bank isn't leaking, don't bother replacing it... Reason being that there are built in seals in the cam covers which stop oil from going into the spark plug holes. These seals can break.

So if it ain't broke, don't fix it in this instance

If the seal is busted, you will have to buy a new cam cover... and they go for around $300 each

[simply_mighty]

ScottyNM35 - I can't send a PM due to my post count being under 10 posts.

Do you have a mobile # I can send the vin number to?

Cheers

[matty_M35]

just did my one the other week had the same smell you speak of!! check with a torch at the rear of the passenger cam seal you will prob see a liitle seepage.. replacing is a little bit of a bitch due to the space you have to work with.. and bit and pieces you need to move.. if you have a uni-joint socket adapter it will be your best friend for removing all the cam cover bolts.. and be sure to be careful not to damage the sparkplug valley seals. (i applied some dirko to one of mine as the spark plug was swimming in oil)

the part cost me $27 from col crawford nissan brookvale 2 days but thats coz it came from WA.

all this is pending thats the problem.. goodluck!!