Hi all,

 

I've had some really useful help from this forum in the past (I don't post too often).  I've got a 2005 fabia 1.4 diesel, but I'm not at all a car expert.  This morning I noticed an oil smell inside the car quite soon after starting the engine.  Before I book it into the garage, are there any obvious things I can check and do you have an idea if this is a sign of something very expensive!  The car is due to be changed and so I wont bother if it's a big-ish job.

 

Thanks a lot,

Steve

@linc1464 - Engine oil or diesel smell? A diesel smell is quite likely to be a porous flexible coupling on the exhaust and will get worse. I'd be looking to have your price chipped to repair it if you don't.

I'm pretty sure it's oil.  The smell is pretty instant once the engine is started.

Is the oil cap still in position ?

 

DB.

 

Its likely to be diesel. In the cold weather it does smell quite 'strong' and a broken joint in the exhaust or egr could cause this smell to enter the cabin. 

Hi folks,

 

Thanks for the replies.  I've had a bit of a poke about now so can describe it a bit more.  Oil levels are fine (checked the dip stick).  Oil cap seems OK too.  The smell can be smelled long after the engine is off.  It is strongest under the bonnet more toward the drivers side.  I couldn't see any evidence of leakage under the car after it had been parked at work all day.  Also the smell is not as strong under the car as it is when I lift the bonnet.  Any ideas?  I'm trying to get it booked in ASAP in any case.

 

Cheers

Steve

Exhaust manifold and related baskets all ok? 

 

On the 1.4 MPI there's a rubber  O ring on the engine cover that stops the oil vapours escaping not sure if the diesel has one but double check the seal on the oil cap. 

44 minutes ago, TripleMcB said:

Exhaust manifold and related baskets all ok? 

 

On the 1.4 MPI there's a rubber  O ring on the engine cover that stops the oil vapours escaping not sure if the diesel has one but double check the seal on the oil cap. 

 

Best thing to do with the MPI engine cover is chuck it in the bin and use the Felicia oil cap (one is clipped to the underside of the cover if it isn't missing).

 

Cap 047103485A

 

Rubber seal 047103487

 

Edited 16 November, 20178 yr by TMB

Clarendon, you were right, it is diesel.  I can see it dripping from under the engine cover when i start the car.  I'm no expert but i guess theres a problem with either a fuel line or how they connect to the engine.  Will drive to some garages this morning!

Let's hope it's as an easy fix as it was to spot.

15 hours ago, TMB said:

 

Best thing to do with the MPI engine cover is chuck it in the bin and use the Felicia oil cap (one is clipped to the underside of the cover if it isn't missing).

 

Cap 047103485A

 

Rubber seal 047103487

 

 

I was wondering what that was under the cover. I just shelled out the 98p for themes  O ring and cap seal. Lots tighter. 

linc. I had a fuel leak on mine some time ago. Mine was on the SHORT length of flexible pipe on the return side from the pump to the filter. Best way to check for this is to remove the top cover . Looking at engine top from front, the steel fuel lines run along the front of the engine and both go into flexible hoses at the battery side of the engine( RHS VIEWED FROM FRONT, ON ROCKER COVER). The return one ( the one I had problems with) is the shorter one. Best way to check is to start the engine with the cover removed and CAREFULLY look for fuel leak( it will be a fine spray mist). If it's this .AVOID a main dealer as they will want circa £320 to change all the pipes.  VAG TPS advice on part is "flexible fuel pipe cut to length". Mine was 6" of ( I think 7mm pipe) ,cost =£0.5  . Replacement of this return pipe is a five-minute job.  Tools- one pair of pliers to remove VAG pipe clips, and either same pair of pliers to replace pipe clips or as I find a neater solution, a pair of small jubilee clips tightened by a socket or screwdriver.