When we park our new AUSTRAL (full hybrid) in our garage, after an hour or so we notice a strong smell of petrol. While no petrol drips/leaks have been identified, it is noticeable that the smell is stronger near the engine than for instance near the fuel cap. The garage was very sceptical when we returned the car for inspection. As always, they had never heard of this. The first time around they could not find anything. As we needed the car and no replacement car was available, we took it back and continued driving. During this period, we noticed that the smell was much stronger when the car was parked with a hot engine, and that the fuel tank level made no difference whatsoever.
During the next inspection, the garage noticed that the motor oil level had increased above the normal level Analysis indicated that it was contaminated with petrol. The cause however is still unclear.
Has anybody else experienced this, and was the cause identified?
Petrol accumulates in motor oil of full hybrid engine
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Coutainville
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Sat Dec 09, 2023 6:47 pm
I do sometime get a very strong smell of petrol from the car, but not all the time. Weird.
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blindomatte
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue May 14, 2024 7:00 pm
Hello from Italy.
This issue seems quite common in Full Hybrid engine. At least this is what I recognize being part of a Facebook Austral group.
According to a survey it seems 80% of users have this issue on about 100 users.
I would say this is a problem.
My Full Hybrid is new (about 1000km) and no creamy oil at the moment but I recognize petrol smell in the box and on right side of motor.
This issue seems quite common in Full Hybrid engine. At least this is what I recognize being part of a Facebook Austral group.
According to a survey it seems 80% of users have this issue on about 100 users.
I would say this is a problem.
My Full Hybrid is new (about 1000km) and no creamy oil at the moment but I recognize petrol smell in the box and on right side of motor.
Hello,
In Germany, we have the same problems. A lot of brand new handed over australs, have more oil in the engine that it should be. In my engine, after round about 800 KM's.... the level is now already two centimetres above the maximum. the oil smells strongly of petrol, so it is already extremely diluted after a short time. The engine makes extremely bad noises, it nails a lot and doesn't sound healthy. The lubricating film of the oil seems to be impaired. This appears to be a design fault.
I handed my Austral today to a Renault Partner workshop for a diagnosis.
I am curious to see what they will tell me. But I'm definitely not going to be fobbed off with the idea that it's all normal and everything is ok. It's definitely not normal.
In Germany, we have the same problems. A lot of brand new handed over australs, have more oil in the engine that it should be. In my engine, after round about 800 KM's.... the level is now already two centimetres above the maximum. the oil smells strongly of petrol, so it is already extremely diluted after a short time. The engine makes extremely bad noises, it nails a lot and doesn't sound healthy. The lubricating film of the oil seems to be impaired. This appears to be a design fault.
I handed my Austral today to a Renault Partner workshop for a diagnosis.
I am curious to see what they will tell me. But I'm definitely not going to be fobbed off with the idea that it's all normal and everything is ok. It's definitely not normal.
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Terryfrank
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2024 10:32 pm
It’s very odd that people report this issue on the forum and then nothing. Don’t keep us hanging!
I have just discovered the same problem with my Austral Hybrid, contacting dealership, will keep you updated!
My car is now going into the dealership for further investigation 30th August. Will let you know how it gets on & what if any answers are forthcoming.
Further to my last post as mentioned I would update when I get some feedback from my Renault dealer,
The car is now with the service team at the dealership, just received a phone call to say that Renault are aware of this problem with the smell of petrol when dipping the oil level, and a part is required to fix this problem, unfortunately the part required is on back order, however as soon as it becomes available my car will be re-called to have the new part fitted & that should resolve the issue, unfortunately I don’t know what the part is called? But I did ask if there would be any damage caused to bearings in the engine whilst waiting for the part? They said no damage would occur & it is safe to drive the vehicle. That was today Friday 30th August 2024.
My car is now going into the dealership for further investigation 30th August. Will let you know how it gets on & what if any answers are forthcoming.
Further to my last post as mentioned I would update when I get some feedback from my Renault dealer,
The car is now with the service team at the dealership, just received a phone call to say that Renault are aware of this problem with the smell of petrol when dipping the oil level, and a part is required to fix this problem, unfortunately the part required is on back order, however as soon as it becomes available my car will be re-called to have the new part fitted & that should resolve the issue, unfortunately I don’t know what the part is called? But I did ask if there would be any damage caused to bearings in the engine whilst waiting for the part? They said no damage would occur & it is safe to drive the vehicle. That was today Friday 30th August 2024.
Last edited by Mr Mash on Fri Aug 30, 2024 2:44 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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MickeyYNWA
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2024 9:47 am
- Location: UK
If there is petrol in your oil, get the oil changed ASAP as it will affect the oils effectiveness. I'm simple terms it makes it less sticky meaning more wear from metal on metal without lubricant.
Not sure if it's a widespread issue yet but it's certainly concerning from the varied geographical located comments. I'll check mine (UK) tomorrow and report back, can others please do the same.
Not sure if it's a widespread issue yet but it's certainly concerning from the varied geographical located comments. I'll check mine (UK) tomorrow and report back, can others please do the same.
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MickeyYNWA
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2024 9:47 am
- Location: UK
All ok for me so far. If anyone has an update on their end please add the info.
