Bad smell when accelerating hard?

PJPRITCHETT

MEMBER
2008 LEXUS GS 350
3.5L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
161,000 MILES

At moderately high RPMs I can smell something from the engine with the windows down, and if I floor it a couple times it comes through the air vents too. I’m not sure if it’s a burning smell, but it smells bad. I’ve only owned the car for a few weeks but I’m not losing a ton of oil.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Are there any exhaust leaks? Would you describe the smell as a rotten egg? Is there any smoke from the engine compartment or exhaust? Is the coolant level staying full?

Let me know. This is a tough one not being there to actually smell it. So, let me know as much as you can or how you would best describe the smell. Also, let me know if the check engine light is staying on or flashing when the engine is running.

Take care,

Joe

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Monday, August 15th, 2022 AT 9:04 PM

PJPRITCHETT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

No, It’s not a rotten egg smell. The car sounds fine, so there are no noticeable exhaust leaks. There’s no smoke from the engine bay, but my friend said he saw a small amount of white smoke from the tailpipe when flooring it. Coolant level is staying good, and no check engine light or any codes when I scanned it. It almost smells like a burning smell, but it doesn’t smell like burning tires. I hope this helps.

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Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 AT 5:49 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Since it comes through the vents, chances are it is an oil leak under the hood. Have you checked to see if anything appears wet? Check around the valve covers, the intake, and see if anything appears wet.

Let me know,

Joe

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Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 AT 5:44 PM

PJPRITCHETT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I did notice the left side of the engine is dark with oil residue (see top pic), and under that left side, the alternator and ax condenser look fairly wet (bottom pic). The exhaust doesn’t seem to have evidence of burnt oil on it. I’ll clean the engine block and see if the oil returns.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 AT 3:56 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

I do see a color difference. It looks like a different valve cover. Question. At the very top of pic 1, I see a number. Is that number actually on the intake?

Also, I think cleaning the engine is a good idea. Make sure to cover electronics such as the alternator, coils, electrical fuse boxes, and so on.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe