Hi all,

S-Type 4.0 V8 1999, I have from some time oil smell inside cabin,
but I do not succeed to understand if it is engine or transmission oil.
the IMT O-ring problem it regards also the 4.0 V8 ?
thank you
Giacomo

 

I believe the IMT O-ring issue applies only to the 3-litre V6 engines....

Your best bet is to remove your belly pan (if the early cars had them) and carefully look and feel around your components underneath for fluid leaks and splashes. That will allow you to zero in on what may be causing your oily cabin smell....

 

Could also be a valve cover gasket dripping oil onto the exhaust system.

 

Agreed. Seems to be a common issue in the early-production S-Types....

 

As was said above the IMT problem is on the V-6 only. With the age of your car I would consider doing the following:

1.-Replace both valve cover gaskets and spark plug well gaskets. They are sold as a set. The valve cover gaskets are leaking and the oil is burning off the exhaust manifolds then it is sucked into the car at the base of the windshield on the passengers side though the cabin filter. Be sure and check this filter it is often over looked and likely to be packed full of dirt.

2,-Replace all 8 coils. You did not mention rough running but they are all tied together. Don't forget the boots! They usually come with the coils but not always.

3.-Replace all 8 spark plugs.

If you do this it will save you a lot of grief. These are just maintenance items for your year and model of car. While you are fixing things I would change the fuel filter too and check the air filter.

I see your are in Italy so don't know where you get parts. Here in the states EBay has the best prices for coils and such.
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Hi clubairth1, thank you for answer
what is " spark plug well gaskets " ?
why I must to replace all 8 coils and all 8 spark plugs ? the engine run very well.
I do not understand the relation with the loss and oil smell.
thank you

Giacomo

 

Have you at least checked for oil in the places listed? You are smelling oil so it makes sense to look for oil.

 

yes already controlled in the places listed,and no oil leak.
thank you

Giacomo

 

If it's not dripping at all about all I can think you can do is clean the entire engine very carefully and completely. Then wait a while and look to see where there is oil.

 

Sorry I post as Tbird6 and clubairth1-a bit confusing I know!

I would wipe the passenger side valve cover with a white cloth. The oil smell can only enter the car thru the cabin air filter which is on the passenger side. The oil has to be coming from somewhere unless it's very smoky where you drive?
Have you actually pulled any coils to check if they are oil covered??

The spark plug seals are included with the valve cover seals. The 4.0L has 8 separate seals that keep oil from entering the spark plug wells.

These seals will fail with time. Do you know if your car has had them replaced?? I recommend replacing all 8 coils and plugs because it's VERY common to repair the car and then several weeks/months later have another coil go bad or get soaked with oil or water. So it's up to you but it's painful to have to keep going back in there!!
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Our '01 has these exact symptoms. Visually there is no obvious oil leak like giacom.m stated. It does not get driven a whole lot, but my oldest daughter is about to turn 16 so I need to get aggressive and find where the smell is coming from since it will be her daily driver.

My first thought was to do the valve covers. Hopefully that fixes it because the oder can be very strong.

 

Bear in mind that even a drop will smell a lot if it manages to land in the wrong place (such as a hot exhaust part).