Hello all, Couple questions. '87 328 that I have owned for years and have always noticed a strong smell after shutdown while it is in the garage. It smells like oil burning. The car has no leaks and was recently serviced. I was wondering if other owners have this as well. One other thing that I have always noticed is the sight of vapors from the deck lid, throught the rear window, while I am stopped in traffic or at a light. I have never given these a second thought. Just wondering if what I am seeing and smelling is normal to these cars? Next job is to replace the tie rod ends . Any suggestions on where to get them and if it is a DIY project? Thanks in advance. Dan
Vapors, like heat shimmer or actual vapor? I used to have this same thing, except it was smoke. It was really hard to see except in low (yes low) light. You will need to check it in the garage where there is no wind. When mine was outside I couldn't detect it much because any slight wind blew it away. My problem was a cam seal leak. The front bank front cam is directly over the alternator which is directly above an exhaust pipe. If you are a DIY type of person the cam seal wasn't that bad to change, although you will need a few specialized tools. Gene
Mine has that smell and after running on the highway I can see a little hint of smoke, but I know have a small leak, I have to add a half quart every 500 miles or so.1986 with 32K miles
As others have said, you most likely have an oil leak hitting the exhaust. You will probably need to get under the car and look carefully around the valve cover for the front bank. If you are lucky, it will just be the valve cover gasket, but it could be a cam seal which means you may as well do a major service since the cams have to come out to replace the seals. In any event, I wouldn't drive much with oil hitting the exhaust. Dave
Could also be a torn CV boot, and the grease is flinging up on the exhaust. Happened on my 328...and I could smell it.
Thanks for all your replies/suggestions. I'll take a closer look at the cam seals and valve seals tommorow am. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again, Dan
Unless you have a serious leak, you won't be able to find it that easily. Here is the $5 solution. Go to NAPA and get some engine oil dye. You will need two bottles. I think each bottle is an ounce or so. Pour it into your oil and run the car for a bit. Get a tube blacklight (bulb style won't work). It has to be really really dark, but your oil leak will glow. Set the light on the alternator. That is just about the best position for finding front cam seal leaks. You will need a small mirror on a stick, but if there is a leak, this is the way to find it. Gene
My 308QV does the same thing.... I have some gaskets and seals that "seep" a little, but not enough to drip on the garage floor, and not enough to add oil between changes. I wouldn't worry about it, especially since it's been going on for awhile
