Burning oil smell...normal under these conditions?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by qdllc, Mar 30, 2017.

  1. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    I got routed up and over a mountain, so I was doing something like 15-20 mph with the HSI bar all the way to the end. I stopped for a moment and smelled the distinct scent of burning oil. Keep in mind that only a week ago I did an oil change and drain/fill the ATF. It's possible the engine got so hot that it "cooked off" oil residue on the outside.

    Smell has not been back.
     
    #1 qdllc, Mar 30, 2017
  2. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    last time i got to the top of pikes peak, there was a distinct smell of overheated automatic transmission. Fortunately, it was a rental (non-prius).
     
    #2 Former Member 68813, Mar 31, 2017
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Could be oil drippings or undercoat over-spray on the exhaust too. Hopefully something like that. I've notice aroma, with various cars over the years, in similar situation. A long uphill is a hard workout for the car.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Mar 31, 2017
  4. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    I took a closer look around the engine yesterday. Everything is clean. My guess is oil drippage getting heated and cooking off...nothing to worry about.
     
    #4 qdllc, Apr 3, 2017
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
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