Strong Fuel smell on oil dip stick?

Yes, head gasket I'm thinking. Also using an increasing amount of fuel ie 6 months ago 6.36klm/liter, now 43klms uses 15.72liters.

Combustion gases or fuel in oil, I can smell it on the dipstick strongly; increasing petrol consumption What could this be?

Further investigation I think these symptoms (and lack of some symptoms) might be the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve, so I'll run this past the mechanic when I take it in.

Thanks a lot KenL, and for the pics, very much appreciated. This would never happen on the Javelin!

Yes, I sure will and any help vis versa, ill print those pics off especially one showing various engine components. Thanks, Mitchell

Got news mechanic said its small rubber hoses contraptions such as you advised and easy fix, I guess he'll check the contraptions too EGR valve etc. Will keep you informed. Mitchell

Sure will, you too Ken L, thanks. Mitchell

KenL, mechanic replaced 2 x 6 mm hoses that run from EVAP canister purge solenoid valve to, I'm not sure where according to your diagram But the fuel econ is much better, but unfortunately I didn't record how much fuel I had prior to hose replacements so at a calculated guess its 8.7 klm per liter which is about right for 'around town' here Bermagui. I'll check distance /liter properly and do an oil change since the combustion gas smell is still in the same oil of course, and replace a few more of those hoses(push-ons) and let you know. I'm wondering what damage/build up is in the components the hoses go to so ill check with mechanic on that. Thanks so much for the info, that was incredibly helpful, Mitchell

As in fuel issue with milage, leaves me with combustion gases, or fuel, in oil which worries me more. But an oil change is needed first, I guess. Mitchell

Oh, that's okay, I've done it plenty of times correctly too. I changed the fuel filter after buying this (2nd hand, had done 120,000) and the fuel in the filter was brown/chocolate color (scary).
And 2 of the 6 spark plugs are hard to access ie the 2 either side at the rear of this V6 3.3L VGE, needed is a spark plug socket with knuckle allowing angle.
And to lower the spare tire the 'T' tip on the tire jack rod is easily bent if one uses too much force -got to be exact angle entry into the access area at tailgate and turn lovingly.
One thing I can't remove to clean is the radiator reservoir bottle, just seams caught by something and won't come out, I'll get it one day.
Hope this informs someone else, will let you know after oil change. Thanks, Mitchell