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Oil smells like gas?

Tiny
MSKFSH
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 BUICK VERANO
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
Just bought this car used, runs great and smooth, no codes, was checking oil level and noticed it smells like gas! Also, my wife noticed a gas smell while I was showing her the trunk of the car. Checked under the hood, found the hose connecting valve cover to intake manifold broken (so car may have vacuum leak).
The car idles great.
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Thursday, October 13th, 2022 AT 6:05 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Are you referring to the PCV hose? If so, yes that will cause a vacuum leak, but I would think the vehicle would have a rough idle or stalling issue.

Do me a favor, repair or replace the damaged part and see if the smell goes away. An engine vacuum leak will cause the computer to compensate by adding fuel to the air/fuel mixture. Take notice if there is any dark gray or black smoke from the exhaust. If you do, follow this link to check both the fuel pressure and the fuel pressure regulator.

Let me know what you find. Also, if you could take a pic of the hose you are referring to, it will help me identify it.

One last thought. If you have a strong fuel smell in the oil, change the oil. If enough fuel is mixed in, it will cause the oil to thin.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, October 13th, 2022 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
MSKFSH
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  • 7 POSTS
I think it is the PCV hose indeed, it is slightly oily. I glued it with epoxy (because the plastic part in the intake manifold where the hose goes is broken) I am waiting until tomorrow for epoxy to dry.
The fuel smell in the oil dipstick is not strong, in fact it is faint but one other thing is that the oil level is at the maximum safe level. It was recently changed by the previous owner.

I will send pictures of the broken hose as soon as I get close to where my car is.
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Thursday, October 13th, 2022 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Thank you for the update. Hopefully, this is going to resolve the issues you are having.

Let me know what you find, and a pic will certainly be helpful.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
MSKFSH
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Here is a photo of the hose fitting after I glued it with epoxy, I also noticed some old oil around the oil cap as seen in the photo, I haven’t noticed much difference in the car performance. It runs smooth and starts easily, oil still smells like gasoline. Today I also noticed that the oil level is higher than the safe level! Still the car runs normally and idles great.

I thought of changing the PCV valve, but I can’t find it, and even the whole intake manifold, what do you think?
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That is the PCV that you repaired. As far as the oil near the oil cap is concerned, I wouldn't be too concerned. That isn't uncommon.

Now, the idea that the oil level is above full is interesting. By chance, is the engine coolant low?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 10:46 PM
Tiny
MSKFSH
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No it isn’t, I thought of the possibility of coolant leak too, but the coolant level is good, but then again the previous owner said it was just serviced by the dealership so they must’ve filled all fluids, how can I tell?
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 11:17 PM
Tiny
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If there is coolant mixing with the oil, you will most likely see a tan creamy substance when checking. Also, it will sometimes collect on the oil cap.

I attached a pic below showing what it can look like on a cap.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Saturday, October 15th, 2022 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
MSKFSH
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There is nothing of the sort, no smoke from the exhaust either.
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Saturday, October 15th, 2022 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I would continue using the vehicle and watch the oil level on a regular basis. See if there is an increase in level. Also, if it does have a strong fuel smell, you may want to change the oil just to be safe.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, October 15th, 2022 AT 9:55 PM

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