2025 LC - Fuel Smell on Oil Dipstick

[TRS]

I do not make a habit of going around sniffing dip sticks. Must be a name for someone who does that. I never even thought of doing that. Sorry, that's my first reaction...

Tell me you're not mechanically inclined, without telling me you're not mechanically inclined. Honestly surprised by this response coming from someone who owns a 2017 Duramax and their well-known fuel injector issues...

Anyway, great joke man keep it up.

Sure thing! We should look out for each other when we can.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

I see singlehandedly, your issue is related to the daily drive cycle. A 2 minute warmup and a 10 minute commute are not remotely getting the vehicle up to operating temp unless that 10 minutes is at 100 mph! At least 1x/wk the vehicle should be driven for 30-60 minutes to fully bring ALL fluids up to operating temp, burn off fuel dilution etc. And yes, that local drive cycle, if you refuse to actually do what is recommneded above is a 3-4K change interval...Worst possible drive cycle imaginable. City driving better than that.

 

[TRS]

I see singlehandedly, your issue is related to the daily drive cycle. A 2 minute warmup and a 10 minute commute are not remotely getting the vehicle up to operating temp unless that 10 minutes is at 100 mph! At least 1x/wk the vehicle should be driven for 30-60 minutes to fully bring ALL fluids up to operating temp, burn off fuel dilution etc. And yes, that local drive cycle, if you refuse to actually do what is recommneded above is a 3-4K change interval...Worst possible drive cycle imaginable. City driving better than that.

Funny thing is, my wife actually hits 100 mph every day!

Believe me, I know the drive cycle is an issue, which is why I mentioned it. We take the LC out on weekends and definitely drive it more than 30 minutes each time. Also mentioned I'd be moving to a 4,000 mile OCI...

 

[D-mac]

Believe me, I know the drive cycle is an issue, which is why I mentioned it. We take the LC out on weekends and definitely drive it more than 30 minutes each time. Also mentioned I'd be moving to a 4,000 mile OCI...

Or do the factory recommended 10k mile oil change to get different smelling motor oil.

 

[bluebullet]

PUI much?

Or are you just being a d(ck?

You don’t have to make it a habit of “sniffing dipsticks”, if you check the oil level after an oil change. I smelled it when it was 10”-12” from my nose, while I was confirming the oil level.

In my case, the exhaust also wreaks of a strong gasoline odor as well, something that I have never in my life experienced. NEVER. This is way different from an engine burning a ‘rich’ fuel/air mixture. Not to mention the odor of the small oil sample(cold) I took from the Fumoto valve that I installed 30,000 miles ago.

I am guessing that one of the direct fuel injectors is stuck in the open position.

But hey, you do you.. Ignore what you stand to learn here, make your snide remarks, and just move along.

No offense meant. I have moved on per your advice.

 

[PG_Only]

Was checking fluids on the LC and noticed a strong fuel smell on the oil dipstick. Anyone else? We're at 9,6XX miles and have an oil change scheduled for this Saturday, but wanted to throw this out there beforehand to see if anyone else is noticing this, too... I come from building Mopar and Chevy V8s, and typically a fuel odor in the oil is a red flag...

FWIW, my wife warms up the LC for a good 2 minutes or so at every cold start, drives 10 minutes to the office, and does the same routine on her way home. No smoke, no noticeable smells from the exhaust, nothing.

Thoughts? Not sure whether to chalk it up to "break-in" or maybe it's just a characteristic of the engine? Either way, I will definitely note this with the service tech this Saturday to make sure it's recorded in the service history, just in case...

We notice a fuel smell after driving and parking our 2024 Cruiser in the garage after driving. Similar mileage as yours. Doesn't seem to matter how long the drive is.

 

[EOD Guy]

IMO, the smell of fuel on a dipstick isn't the same source as the purge canister venting in a closed garage.......

 

[Futha]

Now this whole thread has me confused. Fuel presence in oil detectable by smell is something that happens, more often in turbocharged engines, and isn’t necessarily abnormal. There’s a whole system designed to deal with it.

I’ve never met a B48 that didn’t have fuel smell in its oil, and the B48 is Toyota-level reliable if not better.

 

[Bad1975]

Now this whole thread has me confused. Fuel presence in oil detectable by smell is something that happens, more often in turbocharged engines, and isn’t necessarily abnormal. There’s a whole system designed to deal with it.

I’ve never met a B48 that didn’t have fuel smell in its oil, and the B48 is Toyota-level reliable if not better.

Fuel in the oil isn't normal or good and no more prevalent in Turbo or supercharged engines vs NA when the engines are healthy. Fuel dilution of the oil, lowers the viscosity, flash point and destroys the addictive package meant to protect and keep the engine components clean and result in significant reduction in the oil service life.

I think you are in belief the EGR and PCV system is for fuel in the oil or maybe the oil filter? They aren't. Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Positive Crankcase Ventilation both deal with Blowby (Gases and Pressure) which occurs to some extent on any internal combustion engine, the EGR recirculates the air born unburnt hydrocarbons in an attempt to get them burnt the second go round for the purpose of reducing emissions often with a small increase in fuel mileage. The PCV system deals with the pressure increase in the crankcase due to blowby and also routes back to the intake for the purpose of emission control and preventing the pressures building in the crankcase which would blow out the seals and gaskets if not used. The oil filter will not filter the gas from the oil, so I'm confused which system is designed to deal with fuel in the oil.

 

[EOD Guy]

To add an addition to @Bad1975 valid points........

The very tiny amount of blowby gases that leach into the crankcase each time the piston completes a stroke/cycle is sometimes caused by improperly gapped or damaged piston rings, scratches in the cylinder wall, improperly sealed manifolds and on carbureted engines, a stuck or improperly adjusted seat/float valve. Over time the tiny amounts of blowby gasses will consolidate in the crankcase, return to a liquid state and dilute/contaminate the oil.

(edit) A turbo charger or blower (forced induction) can greatly compound this blowby problem, as they pressurize the combustion chamber and if the flaws I referenced above are present, instead of seeping past the rings, the gasses are forced by the rings. On a healthy motor blowby is almost unmeasurable, however when the engine is switched off any unburnt fuel vapor remaining in the cylinders will condensate and could seep past healthy rings. Over time and if you choose 10K oil change intervals, I could see where a faint fuel smell on the dipstick might be present. I am an avid believer in 5K intervals.

 

[ultane]

…I am an avid believer in 5K intervals.

…5,000…. or less…

 

[TRS]

Quick update...

Got the 10K mile service performed on Saturday and changed the oil as planned. I noted the fuel smell in the oil to the service manager, who wasn't much help but admitted it is a known characteristic of the LC250. He noted it in the service history after I told him to (he scoffed a bit when I requested that for some reason...), and that was pretty much that. I wish I had time to siphon some oil and submit it for analysis before the appointment, but I didn't get around to it because of traveling.

Will be bringing it in at 4,000 miles next time and will have an oil analysis done for sure. Meanwhile, I'll be sniffin' that dipstick every week or so like the rest of us "dispstick sniffers" do...

 

[EOD Guy]

Quick update...

Got the 10K mile service performed on Saturday and changed the oil as planned. I noted the fuel smell in the oil to the service manager, who wasn't much help but admitted it is a known characteristic of the LC250. He noted it in the service history after I told him to (he scoffed a bit when I requested that for some reason...), and that was pretty much that. I wish I had time to siphon some oil and submit it for analysis before the appointment, but I didn't get around to it because of traveling.

Will be bringing it in at 4,000 miles next time and will have an oil analysis done for sure. Meanwhile, I'll be sniffin' that dipstick every week or so like the rest of us "dispstick sniffers" do...

Please don't take this the wrong way as I do not mean any disrespect..........

Paying for an oil analysis to verify what your nose already told you......... Of course it's your money and your piece of mind, but it's been well documented, more than a few LC's 1st oil change had a strong fuel smell, mine as well.

My first change at 1K ish, smelled almost as strong as raw fuel and was extremely thin, so for sure gasoline was in the oil. The next oil change was performed by the dealer at 5Kish, but I smelled the dipstick before the change and it only had a faint smell of fuel. I chocked that up to residue from the original oil. 3rd changed was performed by the dealer at 10Kish, no smell on the dipstick. Most recent oil change was at 15K, performed by me and no discernable smell of fuel in the oil.

 

[basicxj]

I too have smelled fuel in the oil. In my case, it was in the drain pan rather than sniffing the dip stick. Like EOD Guy's experience it was worst on the first oil change, a little bit present on the second. I could smell a trace on the third.

 

[TRS]

Please don't take this the wrong way as I do not mean any disrespect..........

Paying for an oil analysis to verify what your nose already told you......... Of course it's your money and your piece of mind, but it's been well documented, more than a few LC's 1st oil change had a strong fuel smell, mine as well.

My first change at 1K ish, smelled almost as strong as raw fuel and was extremely thin, so for sure gasoline was in the oil. The next oil change was performed by the dealer at 5Kish, but I smelled the dipstick before the change and it only had a faint smell of fuel. I chocked that up to residue from the original oil. 3rd changed was performed by the dealer at 10Kish, no smell on the dipstick. Most recent oil change was at 15K, performed by me and no discernable smell of fuel in the oil.

No offense taken This was the second oil change, hoping we encounter the same results you did on our third!

 

[Futha]

I’m glad we came to the consensus that actually the LC250 is the worst vehicle ever made, the engines are trash, and we all made a mistake buying one. Again. And to think our engines all grenaded only a year ago due to the cold engine noises.

Can’t wait for the next “if you make shit up, this small thing is actually a major problem” thread next month.

 

[Tacotime]

Hey, new here...actually joined this LC forum because I've been lurking and reading the issues on fuel dilution for a while now. I'm a 4th gen Tacoma hybrid owner, and will confess...fuel dilution is a problem with my T24A Hybrid drivetrain...there seems to be more acknowledgment and chatter about it on this LC forum vs in Taco land (...they either don't experience it...or don't want to talk about it. Plus I think the number of hybrid owners is low compared to the regular gas turbo).

So my truck has about 6100 miles on it, and I've noticed the oil level significantly increasing during cold weather operating temps...up to 0.5 to 0.75 inch over the full mark. It doesn't seem to matter if it's short trips or extended highway drives (2+ hours). Obviously there is a strong gas smell on the dipstick, pretty much at all times except right after changing the oil. My method of coping with this issue has been using an oil extractor to vacuum out oil down to the add mark, and replenish with fresh oil, whenever it gets "too full". My first oil change was at 500 miles, then again around 1200 miles - both times Mobil 1 EP 0w20. Then I finally switched to 5w30 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum around the 2000 mile mark, which has been the oil in use since the switch. I felt with the level of gas that's getting diluted in the oil...the viscosity was being quickly sheared down from a 0w20 to a 0w10...and to me that's danger zone for longevity. The engine seems to run really well on the PUP 5w30...nice and quiet, no noticeable loss of mpg. I've had no issues with truck at all. So I'll be sticking with the 5w30 for sure.

Recently I did a 1300 mile all-highway trip, in relatively mild temperatures (~32f average)...and upon arriving home and letting the truck sit over night...the dipstick reads overfull again, by a good 0.5 inch. Prior to leaving, it was on the full mark. This is concerning to me...because I drove 6 hours steady each way...so operating temp of the engine oil should not have been an issue - any gas (or moisture) in the oil should have evaporated off. Having said that though, during operating temps of -13f and below on the highway, I noticed the engine oil temp never went above about 183f. That's on the very low end of cool...and definitely not warm enough evaporate moisture or gas. I forgot to check the oil temp on this trip unfortunately.

I don't have good access to oil sample testing in Canada...Blackstone doesn't service Canada anymore. I inquired about the oil dilution issue with a Toyota tech at the dealer...and he basically told me to slap a winter front on it. Yeah, not happening. The truck does have grill shutters.

Anyways, thought I'd share my experience here, given the Hybrid drivetrain between the Tacoma and Land Cruiser is identical. Hoping it adds to the discussion and we can find some solutions. So far, I don't have any solutions other than to monitor the oil level, and vacuum it out/replenish when needed, between oil changes. I also should add that I use regular gas 99% of the time...but did run a few tanks (in a row) of premium and the truck ran better and definitely got better mileage. My highway mileage on regular is 18 mpg...and thats with no front spoiler, some added accessory weight, larger tires, etc. Not great, but is what it is. I find in city driving the truck does roll along in electric only mode any chance it can, especially driving slow in parking lots or down residential streets.

 

[EOD Guy]

@Tacotime
Welcome to the Jungle!

 

[ultane]

Hey, new here...actually joined this LC forum because I've been lurking and reading the issues on fuel dilution for a while now. I'm a 4th gen Tacoma hybrid owner, and will confess...fuel dilution is a problem with my T24A Hybrid drivetrain...there seems to be more acknowledgment and chatter about it on this LC forum vs in Taco land (...they either don't experience it...or don't want to talk about it. Plus I think the number of hybrid owners is low compared to the regular gas turbo).

So my truck has about 6100 miles on it, and I've noticed the oil level significantly increasing during cold weather operating temps...up to 0.5 to 0.75 inch over the full mark. It doesn't seem to matter if it's short trips or extended highway drives (2+ hours). Obviously there is a strong gas smell on the dipstick, pretty much at all times except right after changing the oil. My method of coping with this issue has been using an oil extractor to vacuum out oil down to the add mark, and replenish with fresh oil, whenever it gets "too full". My first oil change was at 500 miles, then again around 1200 miles - both times Mobil 1 EP 0w20. Then I finally switched to 5w30 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum around the 2000 mile mark, which has been the oil in use since the switch. I felt with the level of gas that's getting diluted in the oil...the viscosity was being quickly sheared down from a 0w20 to a 0w10...and to me that's danger zone for longevity. The engine seems to run really well on the PUP 5w30...nice and quiet, no noticeable loss of mpg. I've had no issues with truck at all. So I'll be sticking with the 5w30 for sure.

Recently I did a 1300 mile all-highway trip, in relatively mild temperatures (~32f average)...and upon arriving home and letting the truck sit over night...the dipstick reads overfull again, by a good 0.5 inch. Prior to leaving, it was on the full mark. This is concerning to me...because I drove 6 hours steady each way...so operating temp of the engine oil should not have been an issue - any gas (or moisture) in the oil should have evaporated off. Having said that though, during operating temps of -13f and below on the highway, I noticed the engine oil temp never went above about 183f. That's on the very low end of cool...and definitely not warm enough evaporate moisture or gas. I forgot to check the oil temp on this trip unfortunately.

I don't have good access to oil sample testing in Canada...Blackstone doesn't service Canada anymore. I inquired about the oil dilution issue with a Toyota tech at the dealer...and he basically told me to slap a winter front on it. Yeah, not happening. The truck does have grill shutters.

Anyways, thought I'd share my experience here, given the Hybrid drivetrain between the Tacoma and Land Cruiser is identical. Hoping it adds to the discussion and we can find some solutions. So far, I don't have any solutions other than to monitor the oil level, and vacuum it out/replenish when needed, between oil changes. I also should add that I use regular gas 99% of the time...but did run a few tanks (in a row) of premium and the truck ran better and definitely got better mileage. My highway mileage on regular is 18 mpg...and thats with no front spoiler, some added accessory weight, larger tires, etc. Not great, but is what it is. I find in city driving the truck does roll along in electric only mode any chance it can, especially driving slow in parking lots or down residential streets.

Welcome to the asylum.

I use Mobile 1 5W-20 ‘HYBRID’ oil, instead of plain Mobile 1 5W-20 oil. I buy it at Walmart (with the Mobile 1 oil filter). It is specifically formulated for hybrid engines. Also, given this fuel dilution problem, I would change your oil EVERY 5,000 miles, not every 10,000 miles as Toyota recommends, especially since it a turbo engine. There are other engine wear issues at play other than the oil loosing its lubricant properties.

I think 5% fuel dilution is where people start to worry. And you will never know unless you have it tested. I hate these worry beads. These engines have a tendency to dilute the oil due to the inherent engine design and function. Last year, one of our members had a high pressure fuel injector get stuck in the open position and it caused oil to be washed off the cylinder wall, toasting the engine. This is why I send the oil in with EVERY single oil change. Yes, it adds to the cost of ownership, but to me, it keeps my worry beads in my pocket more.

If your Tacoma has skid a skid plate, you might install a Fumoto oil drain valve. It would be easier that using one of those vacuum devices (I have one that came from Blackstone) which can be fiddly at times. The Fumoto valves are easy and very simple to use. You could drain out the exact amount of oil you wanted to, and then easily shut it off. Also, is so inclined, you could send a sample in when your oil is .5” or .75” over the full mark, and have a qualitative number (percentage) for the oil dilution.

SPEEDiagnostix.com is a good choice, if they do business in Canada. They send you the vial, ziplock , and prepaid FedEx mailing envelope, with directions on how to properly collect the sample. Their results pages are well explained on every result sheet. Lake Speed Jr is ‘The Motor Oil Geek on YouTube. After they receive the oil, they have very fast turnaround times (2 days) . Sometimes Blackstone would take a month to get results to me. Which is why I switched to SPEEDiagnostix.

Good luck.

 

[overtrail887]

I’ll add mine to the mix. My commute is very short and doesn’t heat up the oil. Didn’t smell any on the dipstick but 2% fuel. Given my short commute I’m between 3k oil changes and stepping up to 5w-30w to keep the longevity if I need to tow. Idk.