Oil/fumes smell when turning on the heater

[dwight01]

Hi All,

I was wondering if if anyone can shed light on a issue I have on my 2001 VW Passat 1.9tdi sport.

When I turn the Heater on, I can smell eith oil/fumes which gives me a bad headache.

Took it to garage yesterday and they took off the fuel filter and saw some leak there. they have replaced it but this morning I got in and again it stated to smell.

They had it on the ramps but could not see any other leak.

If I drive without the heater on it is fine but with this weather you need it.

Any ideas ? Is it a serious issue ? will it be costly if maybe VW diagnosed it ?

thanks

[yaman]

Sounds like it could be a health risk, keep your climate on
recirculation and use the windows for fresh air until the source of the
fumes is identified.

Regards
Jim

[dwight01]

Thanks Jim,

What if I get it steamed washed and ensure all key parts of engine are covered so water does not get inside ?

Like I said if I dont turn on the heater, there is no smell. it does not stay around. it is only when the heater is switched on that it blows the smell.

Cheers

[Crasher]

I think you have two problems, one is that there is an engine oil and/or exhaust leak which is causing fumes to gather under the car. The other problem is that I suspect someone has removed the drain tubes under the battery and servo. These act as one way valves to prevent fumes from under the car entering the cabin via the plenum chamber where the heater air intake is.

[dwight01]

Thanks so far,

I will get this checked out today and let you know about the latter problem about the tubes.

they did check the oil leak but could not find anything.

Is it safe to steamwash an engine then ? I won't take your word for it but what is the worst case scenario if I steam wash it.

cheers

[markgrff17]

hi

not sure if this will be of any help. i have a 1.8t petrol passat which had pretty much the same problem.
the cause turned out to be a leaking cam cover gasket (caused by partially blocked crankcase breather system) the leaking gasket dripped oil onto the exhaust system vapourising it. it was then drawn into the cabin via the aircom system.

gasket £23 from VW and around 1.5hrs to strip clean and refit. not sure if your engine/exhaust layout could give you the same causes?

cheers............. mark

[caldirun]

Hi All,

I was wondering if if anyone can shed light on a issue I have on my 2001 VW Passat 1.9tdi sport.

When I turn the Heater on, I can smell eith oil/fumes which gives me a bad headache.

Took it to garage yesterday and they took off the fuel filter and saw some leak there. they have replaced it but this morning I got in and again it stated to smell.

They had it on the ramps but could not see any other leak.

If I drive without the heater on it is fine but with this weather you need it.

Any ideas ? Is it a serious issue ? will it be costly if maybe VW diagnosed it ?

thanks

Pull the dipstick when the engine is hot and check for pressure when blocking it with a plug, any pressure is a sign of crankcase breather problems. Could be choked EGR/inlet manifold or cam cover separator.

[dwight01]

Hi Guy's,

Just to update you.

I got the rocker cover gasket changed as this was leaking onto the manifold. this has definately stopped the oil/fumes smell coming into the cabin.

One thing remain is a small oil leak when the car is parked up eg, overnight. Although I know it is a 10 year old car but there still seems to be a small leak which the garage could not pinpoint out.

Any ideas ? is it safe to drive as it does not drip whilst driving or switching engine off/on.
i have checked the oil level and has not dropped significantly. Cannot notice to be honest.

I added some engine oil sealant for diesel engines today that may help.

thanks again.

[Peter D]

What do you mean "engine oil sealant". Is the oil dripping onto the under tray or where. Are you sure it is engine oil rather then diesel or may be gear box oil. Regards Peter

[yaman]

Hi Guy's,

Just to update I added some engine oil sealant for diesel engines today that may help.

That's evil stuff, its a last resort before a car (heap) gets run
through the auction.

Its meant to swell any rubber it comes into contact with,
so it can kill innocent seals too.

Regards
Jim