t65k3

iTrader: (3)

I could smell the burnt oil as soon as I got out of the car after driving for a while. No oil dripping seen even parked for a week. Two things I'd like to mention: I could see some oil on the engine on the rear side. I have to add power steering fluid since it drops from MAX to MIN every two weeks. I do know I have both oil leak and power steering fluid leak. Trying to identify which one that's causing the smell.

I took the car to three different mechanics and they told me three different stories.

1. The power steering pump is leaking
2. The hydraulic portion
3. Engine oil

I leaned towards the oil leak a bit since I was once told the power steering portion is at the bottom and the leak should not get to the exhuast. Since I am not too rich, I have to pick the one that requires my most immediate attention to fix for now.

I know this is a very sketchy description here. And I'd take any wild guess before I take the car to the 4th place. Thanks.....

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

[QUOTE=t65k3;7849515 I have to add power steering fluid since it drops from MAX to MIN every two weeks.[/QUOTE]


Just a wild guess, but me thinks you have a power steering fluid leak.

t65k3

iTrader: (3)

Right, I forgot to mention I know there are both oil and steering fluid leak. I am trying to identify which is most likely causing the oil burning smell..... Thanks.

cashoit

Well since the PS reservior is depleted every few wks we KNOW u have a leak for that. How do you KNOW that oil is leaking too? Is the low oil light on? when u last did oil change, have u checked the oil dipstick? Leaking oil can be from a bunch of places. Need more info

t65k3

iTrader: (3)

When I checked with the dipstick, I didn't really notice a drop on the oil level. However, when I leaned towards the rear of the engine and looked between the engine and firewall, I could see there's some leak on the "cover". It goes a bit wet again in a few weeks after I cleaned it. My last oil change was about a months ago and they recommended me to get it fix about 6 months ago. I think it might be the "back valve cover gasket", but I am not sure. No lights.

The trouble I am facing is three different mechanics gave me three different recommendations. I can't do all three of them at this moment. I know this is a long shot. I am taking it to another shop this week and just like to prepare for whatever the diagnosis result could be.

Thanks...

ride2wheels

I would go with the rear valve cover. Most likely leaking from there, dropping oil on the heat shield/headers, and causing the burnt smell.

Power steering pump leaking could result in fluid being thrown onto exhaust while driving causing smell also.

Do you know where its leaking PS fluid from. Most of the time the problem is from the suction hose. Double clamping it at top and bottom can help if hose looks good. Napa sells a hose that works for like 12 dollars (if its leaking there).

Your leaking lots of PS fluid and I would get that done too if its an easy fix. PIC's

DBear

If your primary goal is to get rid of the smell, you could always put a couple of drops of each on a hot manifold and see which one makes the same smell.

stanltod

iTrader: (2)

Power steering fluid usually has a little more of a sweet burning smell whereas the oil is, well, we've all smelled oil burn. I second the idea of burning a few drops of each to see which one smells most like the leak.

shiftdrift06

Most likely leaking on the manifold OR if you running low on PS fluid, it would cause the bearing and belt to wear. Causing a burnt smell.

t65k3

iTrader: (3)

Hey, Guys, I appreciate all the inputs. They are very creative and effective.

I took it to a shop here at Lawranceville yesterday as I heard good things about them. Man, there are more spots that leaks occur than I thought, especially the PS fluid. The valve covers and PS tubes are being replaced. The burning smell was from the oil. Guess when it gets old, tubes crack and leaks happen.... Hope this would get rid of the smell and most of the leaks if not all. I love my max and would love to keep it running for a long time to come.

Thanks again, and have a great holiday season....

Brad

kel456

with the PS leaking, it's strange that my PS fluid leaks during the cold winter months but during the hot summer months. does anyone know the culprit of the slow leak? can't seem to find the leak while looking underneath the car. the car has no smell.