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Oil smell

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by ualfltdispatch, Apr 20, 2024.

  1. Apr 20, 2024 at 9:14 AM
    #1
    ualfltdispatch

    ualfltdispatch [OP] New Member

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    So I searched and read the forum responses to this topic, but was just looking for any additional input. I'm ocd when it come to oil levels and check it about once a week. Like food, I smell everything for added sensory input. Today I noticed it had a sweet, not really a gas smell, to it. Reminded me of well-aged Cameroon tobacco for all you cigar fans. No leaks, she's a 2023 with 8800 miles. I changed it myself at 1000 miles and again at 5000 with Mobil 1 0W20 synthetic with OEM filter without issue. I have 5W30 synthetic Amsoil standing by for the 10K in anticipation of the hot summer. Driving habits are average....no grandpa driving, not teenager recklessness. Obviously under warranty so not worried there but just looking for additional ideas before I bring it to the stealer for molestation.
    Regards...
     
  2. Apr 20, 2024 at 9:25 AM
    #2
    icebear

    icebear Recovered Kia Owner

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    An oil analysis? That’ll give you hard data on what’s in your oil and if it’s anything to be concerned about.

    It’ll be a tough sell at the dealer convincing them you smelled something different unless it’s quite apparent. Even then it might end up a “wait and see” situation.

    I had pushback from the dealer about a noisy blower motor since it annoyed me but wasn’t very perceptible especially in a bay - but the tech did hear it but believed it normal. (they replaced it for the cost of their cabin air filter after no luck finding an exact spec 4Runner to compare it seems and the faint noise is still here so alas)
     
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  3. Apr 20, 2024 at 9:57 AM
    #3
    Lc200

    Lc200 New Member

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    I am not sure I understand the post.
    You do not like the SMELL of your oil and suspect there is a leak, or suspect that the oil is not getting used up by the engine the way IT SHOULD? Or the levels are not okay? Or the levels are okay but you believe they should NOT be okay because the oil smells funny?!?
    There is no remedy for OCD and if you are this OCD over a Japanese 4Runner, there is pretty much nothing out there that will better this.
     
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2024
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  4. Apr 20, 2024 at 11:06 AM
    #4
    ChessGuy

    ChessGuy New Member

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    Too many..... Performance: • Magnusum Supercharger • Gibson exhaust with dual black tip • Pedal Commander * PowerBrakes • Suspension – Old Man Emu BP-51 front and back with Medium load coils • Tires: AT3 Faulken Wildpeak – 285/70/17 • Wheels: Relations Race Wheels, RR7-H with -12 offset • Full roof rack and ladder by Westcott Design (removed the stock Yakima basket) • Molle storage panels by Rago fabrication • Front light brackets by Rago • Illuminator light bracket by Rago (roof rack location) Lights • Morimoto front and back with sequential signals • Morimoto fog lights and side mirrors with sequential signals • 40” Baja design light bar for roof rack • 20” S8 Baja design driving combo (winch location) • Squadron sport baja design ditch lights • S2 Chase lights by baja designs (mounted on roof) In the bay: • Odyssey 34-PC Battery • SDQH Aluminum billet battery terminals and bracket • Switch Pro 9100 with aluminum tray • Anytime front and back camera • ARB twin compressor Recovery & Protection: • Smittybilt X20 synthetic rope winch • Factor 55 fairlead and flatlink • Southern Style Off-road (SSO) low profile bumper • SSO stage 2 high clearance wings • Weekend warrior recovery kit by treaty oak • RCI – skid plates – entire vehicle + catalytic converter protection wings Interior: • Nano Ceramic IR – Avery Dennison Window tint – all windows • Several phone mounts • Upgraded Rear Hatch lift gate struts (ladder is heavy) • Boom blaster horn switch (featuring La cucaracha)
    Too much OCD. Respectfully.
     
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  5. Apr 20, 2024 at 11:26 AM
    #5
    catbrown357

    catbrown357 New Member

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    Wow. Chill. It's fine.
     
  6. Apr 20, 2024 at 12:37 PM
    #6
    morfdq

    morfdq New Member

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    Sweet is usually coolant not oil. Are you seeing anything on the ground.
     
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  7. Apr 22, 2024 at 6:27 PM
    #7
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    You’re right about dealer molestation. They chipped my door against a concrete wall last time I left my 4runner at a dealer.

    Anywho, some oils smell nicer than others. I love the smell of oils with a good zinc and moly package….mmmm. Weird I know.

    Mobil 1 sells a truck and suv formulation that seems to smell a little nicer to me. More earthy, and “slightly of almonds”. But I’m not sure that’s important (or real for that matter).

    In your case, you might be smelling differences between the engine at 5000, and at 8000. It's probably mostly broken in, but the rings are probably sealing marginally better than at 5,000. Maybe your nose is capable of picking up those differences. In any case, all you have is an observation. If you can’t formulate a statement of an actual problem, don’t subject your 4runner to the dealer.

    If coolant is getting into the oil, I don’t think it would smell like aged cigar tobacco. Coolant has a bit of the sickly sweet smell, and it would change the look of the oil too.
     

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