Author Topic: Oil smells like gasoline/petrol  (Read 3873 times)

Ulf

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Oil smells like gasoline/petrol
« on: October 06, 2010, 08:18:22 »
I know this has been covered before, but the treads I found were all quite short and not very elaborate.
Yesterday, when changing the oil on my 230 (which I do spring and autumn each year), I found the oil smelling like gasoline and slightly thinner than normal.
This is not good, I know...
I also know that this can be caused by the cold start valve leaking if the car is only driven for short distances without getting warm, but this is probably not the culprit, as the car is usually only used for longer trips and gets sufficiently warm.
The car passed a compression test last year without any issues, had the linkage adjusted, timing and valve clearances set, new timing chain/tensioner, plugs and new air filter. But it still runs a little uneven in the lower rpms. and still clatters a little when warm...
 
What procedure would you follow, if you had this problem?

And the bonus question:

Would it be a clever idea to fit a solenoid that stops the gasoline flow once the ignition is switched off? And would this cure it?

Best regards

Ulf
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

Benz Dr.

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Re: Oil smells like gasoline/petrol
« Reply #1 on: October 06, 2010, 15:03:44 »
Ulf,
no need to change any of the fuel systems on the engine. Once you turn the ignition off the fuel pressure drops off and nothing should leak into the engine.
Aside from the cold start valve the only other place that fuel can get into the oil is through the FIP system on pumps without a dip stick. Leaking seals inside the pump or bad fuel injectors could be another place.
Have a look at your spark plugs. They should tell you if you're running too rich.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

merrill

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Re: Oil smells like gasoline/petrol
« Reply #2 on: October 07, 2010, 13:08:48 »
when i had my inj pump rebuilt Hans informed me a seal had failed allowing fuel and oil to mix.

once you eliminate other sources you may need to look there.

folllow dan's process of elimination you should find it.
Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

Ulf

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Re: Oil smells like gasoline/petrol
« Reply #3 on: October 07, 2010, 13:33:39 »
If mixture is too rich, the plugs will be fouled right?
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

Benz Dr.

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Re: Oil smells like gasoline/petrol
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2010, 01:30:54 »
Yeah,
black. Like the ex wife's heart..........
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC