I’ve got a 2014 Equinox LT with over 160,000 miles on it. I’m trying my best to keep it running well and make it last. It had a clogged PCV, and it used to burn oil like crazy. I did this DIY fix with a hole in the intake manifold above the PCV orifice, and I think I cleaned it out pretty well with throttle body cleaner. Now it holds oil better, but there’s still a strong oil smell coming from the cabin vents. I also have a PO420 code and suspect an upper exhaust leak from the manifold. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
I had a similar issue with my Equinox. It turned out to be a leak in the valve cover gasket. Might wanna check that out!
Darin said:
PO420 usually means there’s an issue with the catalytic converter. Could that be linked to your smell?
Yeah, I was thinking it might be related. Just not sure how to pinpoint it.
Oil smell in the cabin can be from a few places… maybe check the oil filter too? It could be leaking.
Teo said:
Oil smell in the cabin can be from a few places… maybe check the oil filter too? It could be leaking.
Good idea! I’ll take a look at that next. IDK if I’ve checked it properly yet.
I’d recommend looking at the exhaust manifold gaskets too. If there’s a leak, it can definitely affect the smell in the cabin.
Tobin said:
I’d recommend looking at the exhaust manifold gaskets too. If there’s a leak, it can definitely affect the smell in the cabin.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll add that to my list of things to check.
Just to clarify, what does PO420 mean? I’m not familiar with the codes.