the green amigo

I'm having an issue, wondering if anyone can shed some light on the topic. I have a strange burning smell and occasional light smoke that comes from the passenger side of the engine bay. Anytime i drive the car for more than 20 minutes or so, it seems to appear. I've read that it could be a leaky oil return line or cam seal, not sure though because it's not an overwhelming odor as others have claimed. Anyone else have this problem on their car? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Lagoon JettaIVr6

I had the same issue for the last three weeks. For me, it was just a smell without any smoke. I had no idea what was causing it even after looking in the engine bay for an extended period of time. The transmission died a few day later and it is being replaced right now.

I have heard of oil leaking onto the turbo and burning off as well...and this may be your problem. Check the search engine...there are way too many posts to read on there.

Good luck!

bolaS4

Look, I got this problem, like 3 months back; and it result that the car were leaking oil by the cover valve gasket of the passenger side, and when this occur the oil fall in the turbo and it burn then, and you got the smell you are getting...

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

EVERY 30V Audi and VW engine has this issue at one point or another. Fix isn't too bad if you DIY, but it is not simple. Dealer charges a bunch if you are not under warranty. I've had this fixed 6 different times on 2 separate 30V engines.

the green amigo

just trying to get a timeframe on the urgency of the repair.

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

the heater) and the crud that will eventually build up on the rear of the engine and at the bottom rear of the engine. My opinion is that you could let it go and it would never do any mechanical harm to the engine; just unsightly and smelly. While mine was leaking, I never lost enough oil to even notice a drop in level - leaks like maybe 1/2 quart over 5k miles at most, typically much less. Only worry about it when you can't stand the smell any longer or you notice oil on the ground or too much grunge when you are working on the engine.