First oil change smells like gas

I've read a few threads on this topic but nothing too recent.

I have a new 23' Tacoma SR5 Trail Edition with 1000k miles. Just did the first oil change and took a sample as I was planning on submitting for testing. I quickly noticed that the oil was black and it had a moderately strong gas smell.

80% of my driving is highway for longer than 20 minutes. MPG is roughly 17.5 city and 21 highway, (70-75mph). Truck drives like new, no sounds or performance issues. Got the truck at 50 miles about 3 weeks ago.

Clearly, black oil that smells like gas isn't what you want to see on your first oil change. Any ideas on what could be wrong or anyone else experience the same thing?

 

Uh, I have a bad feeling about this one. I'll be watching this thread. My truck is 6 months old and has 2600 miles. I haven't done my 1st oil change yet, but my oil looks clean. Something isn't right.

 

Gas getting into your oil? Leaking from a cylinder is my only guess, that's the only place where those 2 fluids are "close"it wouldn't be running super smooth though. I'd take it to the dealership, tell show them the oil. Oil should be clean, and well... Oily. Tell them you'd like them to pressure test. Whatever the issue is (gasket) isnt going to be your deal to fix. Do it today. You're engine isn't running right, and you'll be stuck with whatever excess wear there is after they "fix" it

 

Dang it, I don't come here for doom and gloom. Lie to me, tell me it's going to be alright

 

You're under warranty. That makes it much better. Now it's just a matter of making sure the fix gets done right.

 

Agree with others on all counts. Something may not add up and a dealer visit is in order. Maybe it's all good, but worth a deeper dive IMO. Did you change the oil filter? Same smell? How many miles have you put on it since changing the oil? How does the "new" oil look/smell on the dipstick?

I'd show the dealer your sample. I suspect they'll want to do a full oil and filter change for you at minimum.

As a backup, I'd send part of your sample to Blackstone Labs:

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

Blackstone will send you a sample bottle and postage paid return envelope for free. Send them your sample and they'll do a full analysis and generate a multi-page report like the one below fairly quickly for a reasonable price. Good insurance if the dealer pushes back.

I used Blackstone to test the oil in a 1st Gen Tundra where I suspected a head gasket (oil/coolant) issue. Results were clean and it gave me some peace of mind.

In the end it'll all work out, that's what warranties are for, but it'll be good to get some knowledgable answers. Best of luck and keep us posted!

 

Hold on, in my professional opinion ( as a mechanic) this is normal.
a.) it's your first oil change on a new engine so check your oil filter and you'll find all kinds of metal in it from manufacturing and break in
B.) direct injection engines will cause a bit of fuel dilution that is unavoidable, yes these engines have both direct and indirect but on the highway especially it's gonna be running primarily direct injection

I get your concern but trust me all new vehicles are like this... you should see vehicles where the first oil change is at 16'000kms. Oils that clean well will tend to get dark faster because they're catching the exhaust particles that pass the rings which in turn will turn it dark. With these trucks no matter how you drive the oil will always smell like gas. Obviously it's not ideal and could become a problem but i've only found that to be the case with Chevy's which was caused by the high pressure fuel pump leaking into the heads and in turn mixing into the oil, they would run rough and throw a fuel trim code but once you yanked the dipstick or removed the oil cap it would clear up and you could watch the fuel trims settle down. Toyota's are built better than that. Also keep in mind your rings are still breaking in so the seal isn't perfect yet which will also allow more blow by and fuel dilution. Again I hear and get your concern but you're fine. If there becomes a problem it will throw a code.
P.s you should refrain from an oil analysis for the first 10-20'000kms as typically you'll see alot of metal due to the engine fully breaking in during that time

 

Yes, that... be polite but firm. Say hey, I know you didn't build this truck, some guys and machines in Mexico did. Let's just get it fixed the right way. Get a loaner out of them. Don't rush them on the fix. Don't settle for that is normal for a new engine and an oil change. It isn't. Document everything. Send off that sample, like TRDRed said. Keep a sample for yourself. Give the dealer a sample. You probably paid 40-50k for the truck, it should be fixed 100% correct. In time, it'll work out.

 

I wouldn't freak out yet. Agreed the engine was and still in the break in period. You can show and voice your concerns with dealer but don't expect much from them yet.

 

I apologize if I caused alarm. I'm not a mechanic. I hope I'm wrong. My only basis for my comments is the new vehicles I've had didn't have OPs symptoms. Hopefully it's nothing.

 

Bring it to the dealer, it could be anything . Remember there is detergent in the oil to clean. Especially when an engine is new. Just to be on the safe side I would bring the sample and go to the dealer and mention about the gas smell. That’s what warranty is for

 

Were you checking the oil at all during this time frame ? If its dumping fuel into your crankcase the level would go up on the dip stick. I think its just typical skunky break in oil. Change it and give it another 1000 miles.

 

Lucky that you did your own oil change cause you caught this. The dealer would of not or cared. Hope it is not something major but like mention it is under warranty. Take it to the dealer and show them your sample so they can log it into your maintenance record for future. Good luck.

 

i have changed a lot of oil in all types of new and used vehicles and machines, and that does not look right in my experience for a modern ICE with 1000 miles. i never smelled gas when changing oil. that is odd.

i could not imagine going anther 9000 miles with that oil in my engine as some suggest.

on the other hand, it is hard to believe there is a serious issue and no code was thrown.

curious as to the outcome. good luck.

 

Toyotacare did my oil change, so no idea what the first change smelled, or tasted like. All I can comment on...I did my first oil change last fall with 9.5 k miles since the last oil change toyota did, and it was pretty decent looking still. Shouldn't look black like the op's oil. That looked nasty. I'm wondering if the rings haven't seated.

 

I don't know man, but you are right to listen to your spider sense here. I'd definitely take the truck and your oil sample to the dealer, but be prepared for the old "that's normal" reply from them. And maybe it kind of is for some engines on occasion during the break in period.

Just guessing here, but maybe one of your piston rings was not quite seated but will correct itself with use. They will probably tell you to run it a bit longer and then do another oil change to see what the oil looks and smells like which is a reasonable approach. But like this time, you do the oil change not them! Most of all, remain calm brother! Everything will work out in your favor here.

 

Part out ?

 

Following

 

I wouldn't panic. You have the opinion of a professional mechanic (@joba27n) telling you this is not unusual. Take a look at this article also: https://blog.amsoil.com/why-does-motor-oil-turn-black/. If they used some sort of assembly lube during the build that would turn the oil black also. Black oil means it's doing it's job. If you want to talk to the dealership and show them your oil so that you feel better about it I completely understand, but make sure you talk to an experienced tech, not the service writer or oil change guy.

 

I’d refill with Amsoil or HPL and take it for a couple spirited tanks with 91-93 ethanol free gas. Then, I’d pull another sample and send to Blackstone.