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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.
     
  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).
     
  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.
     
  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.
     
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