There are a couple of reasons an ATV might smell like it's burning oil. A few of them are absolutely nothing to fret about; however, if your quad is really burning oil, that is a reason for the issue. Let's go over a couple of points to examine to see if you really have an issue to take care of or otherwise.

What Does Burning Oil Mean For ATVs?

The term "burning oil" in a vehicle means that, for some reason, the oil enters the air/fuel mixture and is ignited by the spark plug in the combustion chamber.

This contamination of the gas disrupts the combustion process and might cause the ATV not to work as it should. It is likewise what's causing blueish smoke to come out of the ATVs exhaust system.

How To Tell If An ATV Is Burning Oil?

First, you will certainly be able to scent the oil burning from the engine or the exhaust.

Another way is to check if there is blueish-white smoke coming from the exhaust when the engine is running.

Why Your ATV Burning Oil?

Your ATV is burning oil due to the following factors:

The exhaust is unclean

Worn valve stem seals

The muffler has oil in it

Using too much or too little oil

The wrong type of oil

ATV is brand-new

the reasons of ATV burning oil

1. Exhaust Is Unclean

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. That's why we thought we'd start by discussing dirty exhaust.

Check if your exhaust is free of debris and obstructions. This is common for quads that have critters nesting in them and sitting there all the time.

The exhaust gets hot while riding, and anything that touches it will slowly burn. This may give an unpleasant odor that you may consider it is burning oil.

Check the location between the exhaust as well as the heat shield for the build-up and also tidy it out.

2. Worn Valve Stem Seals

Gradually, the seals and components on your ATV will wear down. If you have a poor valve stem seal, this could be why you scent burning oil. One of the most common ways to tell if you have a broken valve stem seal is at the launch of the device.

If the valve seals are worn, there will be a small gap at startup to allow oil to enter the combustion chamber. If you start a cold engine and see a large cloud of blueish-white smoke coming from the exhaust, you may need to replace the valve stem seals.

3. The Muffler Has Oil In It

The muffler, also known as the silencer, is made to lessen the noise from the internal combustion engine. It's a handy widget to have before it starts causing problems with your ATV.

If the muffler has leftover oil in it. When you turn over your ATV, the exhaust generates sufficient heat that the oil in the muffler burns.

All you have to do to solve this issue is purge the oil build-up from your muffler.

Take out the purge valve for the exhaust. Then take a rag and cover the exhaust hole. Turn on your ATV and let the engine rev, but do not drive. Simply keep the engine revving for a few minutes. This should remove any remaining oil from the exhaust so you can drive your ATV without worry.

4. Using Too Much Or Too Little Oil

Sometimes your ATV may be burning oil simply because you have overfilled your vehicle. One of the most noticeable signs of overfilling your ATV is that oil leaks out of the exhaust. Naturally, if you're not already regularly inspecting the exhaust, then this is a sign you can plainly miss.

In that instance, you'll notice something is wrong when the added oil burns up in the engine and also causes an odorous smell along with lots of smoke. If this happens once or twice, you don't have to worry too much about the long-term consequences for your engine.

The opposite can also cause problems with your ATV. That is, if you underfill your engine, then it will also burn oil.

You'll smell an extremely solid odor of something burning, and it won't simply be from the exhaust. Rather, the smell will permeate throughout your entire ATV.

Also, any trace amount of oil in the engine will burn due to all the extra heat generated by the engine.

5. The Wrong Type Of Oil

Staying with the type of oil suggested by the manufacturer is normally an excellent idea. Using a different type, or in some cases, also simply using a different brand name, will nullify your warranty.

If you are using mineral oil instead of synthetic oil, or if you are using a different viscosity grade (thickness) than advised, this could be the cause of ATV burning oil.

Yet whatever you do, do not blend synthetic and mineral oil. If you are uncertain about what oil is in the vehicle, you need to change it to prevent any kind of additional engine problems.

one of ATV burning oil reasons: wrong type of oil

6. ATV Is Brand-New

If your ATV is brand new, there may still be starter oil in the engine. This oil was put into the machine from the factory and helps protect the parts during shipping and storage. If your ATV is brand new, it is normal to have a burning smell at first.

Don't forget to change the oil before you put the first 10 hours or 100 miles on the ATV. When you do your first oil change, additionally, check to make sure the valves are adjusted. This will certainly be the most important oil change of the ATV's life, so don't forget to do it.

ATV Oil Burning Solutions Summary

Check the location between the exhaust and the heat shield for the build-up and also tidy it out;

Replace the worn valve stem seals;

Purge the oil build-up from your muffler;

It is vital not to use too much or too little oil;

Staying with the type of oil suggested by the manufacturer suggests;

Don't forget to change the oil before you put the first 10 hours or 100 miles on the new ATV.