Burnt oil smell

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toddl1964

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5.7
I have a new 2015 Ram with the 5.7
At about 500 miles I started getting an oil burning smell through the vents while sitting still. It is not the new "break in smell" or a sticker. Turning on the cabin Air recirculation eliminates the problem. I had a Dodge Durango (2001) for 12 years and I can recognize an oil burning smell. The Dealer has had it for 3 days and can not locate the problem. The mechanic tried to tell me that was normal when sitting still. Had to tell him I have an 2013 Ram 1500 and never had that Problem. Anyone have any ideas I can point them to ?
 

14hemiexpress

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I would say it's sound like oil dripping on a exhaust componet maybe look over your complete exhaust system and see if it looks like something had been burning on it... Other wise I'm at a loss
 

NYCruiser

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If you have a 6-speed pull the dipstick and smell the tranny fluid.
 

NYCruiser

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A cap? Mine has a dipstick and the owner's manual says to check it.
 

ExpressRules

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A cap? Mine has a dipstick and the owner's manual says to check it.

That's interesting. Maybe we need to take a survey of the 2014 6 speed owners to see if they have a dipstick. I bought mine in February of last year but don't recall the built date. Could date of build play into this?
 

NYCruiser

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Maybe...I bought my truck in December '14.....this is from my owner's manual:

Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (170-180°F / 77-82°C).
This normally occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of
driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid cannot
be held comfortably between the fingertips. You can
read the transmission sump temperature in the EVIC
display (refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
[EVIC]” for further information).
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the EVIC
display, and operate the vehicle as required to reach
the normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60
seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
5. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear position
(allowing time for the transmission to fully engage in
each position), ending with the transmission in PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole. The fluid level
should be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If the
fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. Use
ONLY the recommended fluid (see Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts for fluid specifications).
After adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick
tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil to
fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.

NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at 60-70°F / 16-21°C. Only use the COLD
region of the dipstick as a rough reference when setting
the fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as required,
once the transmission reaches normal operating temperature.

CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may
not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until
the temperature is elevated enough to produce an
accurate reading. Run the engine at idle, in PARK, to
warm the fluid.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
 

NYCruiser

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Anyway, sorry to hijack the thread. For all I know the OP has an 8-speed.
 

LINCK24JS

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I have this exact problem and am going to have to take it in. Did the dealer ever find what was wrong with yours ? Mine is a 15 and whenever I am sitting still I get that burnt oil smell through the vents also
 

Burla

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2015 go to the dealer.
 

MyOhFive

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You may be experiencing the foul smell from the coolant reacting to the rubber hoses that some of us 14's are getting... I've never heard it described as a burning oil smell tho, more like propane. But it does come thru the vents while sitting...
 

ghamden

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I've had that same burnt rubber smell ... I've got 3000 miles on mine

Today I sprayed the engine compartment and transmission and transfer case exhaust with engine degreaser. Then power washed everything it seems to of cured the problem ...

I will know for sure over the next few days.
 

MikeEMT

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Recently got my truck, had a similar smell. I determined mine was due to the armor-all like spray that was all over the engine bay that the dealer put on. It has diminished over time, don't notice it at all any more.
 

ghamden

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So far that seems to have worked
 

SlowRoller

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You may be experiencing the foul smell from the coolant reacting to the rubber hoses that some of us 14's are getting... I've never heard it described as a burning oil smell tho, more like propane. But it does come thru the vents while sitting...

Mine was the worst after parking it in the garage. Took a couple thousand miles, but it finally disappeared.
 

thebigv21

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I Have a 15 5.7 with same thing. Smells like burning oil at idle. Only 450 miles. The dealer got me the wrong truck though and is getting me another one next week. I hope this other one doesn't do the same thing
 

ReddingArcher

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I've got the same smell going on, started around 500 miles and have almost 1500 on it now. I took it into a dealer here in town and they put it on the rack to see if I was getting any oil dripping on the exhaust. Everything looked good and they said it's not all that uncommon but to bring it back in if I continue to smell it. I'll drive it another 500 miles or so and if I still get that smell I'll take it in again.
 

thebigv21

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The new truck the dealer got me doesn't seem to be making that smell. In the sport I had it was pretty bad. I'm glad this new one doesn't smell
 
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