Burning Smell '01 A6 2.8

msack · 07-05-2006, 07:42 AM

I just purchased a used 2001 A6 2.8 from a local reputible European auto dealer. I've had the car 3 weeks now and love the way it drives, but have had it in 4 times because of a burning oil odor once the engine heats up.

When the temp guage gets to the middle, you will almost always smell a burning odor for about 30 seconds. You may not smell it again or it may be intermittent when you pull up to a stop light.

They changed a head seal on one of the visits...the other two times they've said they can't find anything. The last time they told me to drive it for a week and it would more than likely go away. They haven't charged me for any of this and are willing to let me continue to bring it back. I just want it taken care of because I don't feel it's normal.

I've never owned an Audi before and this is my first venture away from the Japanese car market. I've read other threads that sound similar...just wondering if anyone can shed some insight.

SouthboroAudiGuy · 07-05-2006, 07:45 AM

Will make it easier to tell (and see) if you've got an ongoing problem or are just burning off old crud.

4Driver4 · 07-05-2006, 07:56 AM

absolutcq20v · 07-05-2006, 08:56 AM

See the link below for a writeup I did when I replaced mine.

I had the same sporadic whiff of burnt oil and replacing the cam/valve cover seals solved it outright. Hope that helps.

http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/616641.phtml

timay · 10-03-2007, 12:19 PM

I had this problem with 2000 A6 2.8L ATQ engine. Before I went to the trouble/expense of replacing the valve cover gasket and the cam adjuster seals, I did a few things.

I replaced the suction pump/purge valve (looks like black chicken's foot). When detaching hoses back there to get at the purge valve, I removed two check valves, one green that looks like a PCV, the other royal blue with small breather hoses attached. They are supposed to allow air to move one direction only. Mine allowed no air through. I sprayed some SeaFoam deep creep into the valves and blew some air through them and they opened up again. I probably didn't have to replace the purge valve, but it was relatively cheap, so I did. Put it all back together and voila, no more oil burning smell. Sure, my valve gaskets still probably leak a little, but it appears that the back pressure from these valves not functioning was the real culprit.

I am guessing that if you just replace the VC gasket and the cam adjuster seal and do not open these valves, you will just blow out the new seals at some point.

07-05-2006, 07:42 AM	#1
msack New Member Account #: 110750 Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1	Burning Smell '01 A6 2.8 I just purchased a used 2001 A6 2.8 from a local reputible European auto dealer. I've had the car 3 weeks now and love the way it drives, but have had it in 4 times because of a burning oil odor once the engine heats up. When the temp guage gets to the middle, you will almost always smell a burning odor for about 30 seconds. You may not smell it again or it may be intermittent when you pull up to a stop light. They changed a head seal on one of the visits...the other two times they've said they can't find anything. The last time they told me to drive it for a week and it would more than likely go away. They haven't charged me for any of this and are willing to let me continue to bring it back. I just want it taken care of because I don't feel it's normal. I've never owned an Audi before and this is my first venture away from the Japanese car market. I've read other threads that sound similar...just wondering if anyone can shed some insight.

07-05-2006, 07:45 AM	#2
SouthboroAudiGuy Member Account #: 104457 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,341	You might want to try degreasing the engine to make sure you're starting clean. Will make it easier to tell (and see) if you've got an ongoing problem or are just burning off old crud. __________________ MODS/UPGRADES: 17x8" BBS RKs (great AW story about how I got them...) \| H-sport anti-sway bars \| ToyGuy short shifter \| IceLink/iPod integration \| Escort 8500 hardwire \| fog/running light rewire \| HomeLink home lighting control \| fold-down bag hooks in the trunk \| aux power socket under the armrest \| hidden Symphony EQ settings \| remote locking control recode \| debadged SUGGESTED READING FOR C5 A6 OWNERS: 2001 A6 info from AudiWorld \| 2001 A6 info from Edmunds.com \| Audi 2001 maintenance schedule \| Stoney's links (the ultimate A6 links page) \| the nOOb's guide to everything \| how to make your car shine The other ride: 1998 Mitsubishi Montero (typically with a kayak on top)

07-05-2006, 07:56 AM	#3
4Driver4 Tech Guru Account #: 43812 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 27,960	Not sure what a "head seal" is, but this sounds like a cam adjuster seal to me. __________________ 4Driver4 "Never give up the throttle until the bitter end." -RC 1990 Coupe Q 1999 A6 Sedan Q 2.8 2000 A4 Avant Q 2.8 1995 Mazda Miata: the anti-Audi 1999 Mazda Miata: Track beotch 1999 Chevy Suburban: the anti-earth :-( 1990 Nissan Pickup: Snow plow/garbage hauler 1981 VW Scirocco: the car I shouldn't own

07-05-2006, 08:56 AM	#4
absolutcq20v Member Account #: 13357 Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 21,322	Sounds like the cam and/or valve cover seals. See the link below for a writeup I did when I replaced mine. I had the same sporadic whiff of burnt oil and replacing the cam/valve cover seals solved it outright. Hope that helps. http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/616641.phtml

10-03-2007, 12:19 PM	#5
timay New Member Account #: 83696 Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 12	Re: Burning Smell '01 A6 2.8 - Release the Pressure I had this problem with 2000 A6 2.8L ATQ engine. Before I went to the trouble/expense of replacing the valve cover gasket and the cam adjuster seals, I did a few things. I replaced the suction pump/purge valve (looks like black chicken's foot). When detaching hoses back there to get at the purge valve, I removed two check valves, one green that looks like a PCV, the other royal blue with small breather hoses attached. They are supposed to allow air to move one direction only. Mine allowed no air through. I sprayed some SeaFoam deep creep into the valves and blew some air through them and they opened up again. I probably didn't have to replace the purge valve, but it was relatively cheap, so I did. Put it all back together and voila, no more oil burning smell. Sure, my valve gaskets still probably leak a little, but it appears that the back pressure from these valves not functioning was the real culprit. I am guessing that if you just replace the VC gasket and the cam adjuster seal and do not open these valves, you will just blow out the new seals at some point.

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