Oil smell in cabin while idleing, no obvious leaks?

[mattius]

My MK2.5 has suddenly gained a slight oil smell in the cabin when the engine is hot and sitting at idle.

Can't see any obvious leaks on the engine. Its not loosing any amount of oil at all.

Wheres the usual places? Cam cover gasket?

[Eighteeteewhy]

Have you checked the oil recently? Dripped some onto the exhaust? Just starting at the basics.

[rovermorris999]

It could be a hole or split in the gearlever gaiter. There are two rubber ones under the leather or cloth one you see round the stick, at least there is on a MK2. I had a faint whiff of gear oil due to a failed inner gaiter.

[mattius]

Nah haven't dropped any oil, dont think its coming from the gearlever, seems to be coming from the vents. Only happens after long journeys at traffic lights.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I used to think I could smell oil when stationary in traffic sometimes too. then I worked out that I could smell oil! Wasn't mine though, it was the car in front. Once I got a whiff of oil I became paranoid about it and could smell oil every time I stopped. I don't worry about it now and it's gone away

[mattius]

its definatly mine you can smell it outside the car when parked up after long runs. Bit bizarre as i checked the oil again tonight and its fine.

[rovermorris999]

How about at the back of the cam covers? It'd only take a small dribble to smell and you wouldn't notice any change in the oil level nor would you see it easily.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Sure it's engine oil and not gearbox? Gearbox oil has a particular smell...

[rovermorris999]

Yes , it's lovely.

[madmover]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Sure it's engine oil and not gearbox? Gearbox oil has a particular smell...

Im with Lazza on this, make sure its engine not gearbox, id also check to see if the gearbox gaiter has split...

[Eighteeteewhy]

madmover said:

MX-5 Lazza said:

Sure it's engine oil and not gearbox? Gearbox oil has a particular smell...

Im with Lazza on this, make sure its engine not gearbox, id also check to see if the gearbox gaiter has split...

It's a very good shout, did mine a while back. The top (bigger one) was in pieces luckily the bottom (smaller one) was ok.

Have a look here OP...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[rovermorris999]

I thought the OP discounted this earlier though it is a likely cause as I know too well.

[Eighteeteewhy]

Did you get to the bottom of this OP?