Completed First Oil Change-My Cobra Smells Differently

[MCoop]

I just changed the oil for the first time since I purchased my SPF. I do not know what brand or viscosity of oil was in the car when I purchased it but I put in Lucas full synthetic racing 20W 50 (20W 50 is recommended by the engine manufacturer). I installed a Motorcraft FL1-HP filter. After the initial start up, I noticed a different smell coming from the engine bay and/or exhaust. It is not electrical and I made sure there were no leaks. Is it common for different motor oils to produce different odors?

Also, I noticed my oil pressure increased about 7-8 psi at idle and when I increased the RPM's compared to pre-oil change. I did not get a chance to drive the car so I do not know what the pressure is under driving conditions. Is higher pressure a characteristic of full synthetic oils?

[lippy]

It you got a drip or two on the exhaust manifold or engine you might smell it, but otherwise you wouldn't unless you are consuming a lot of oil.

You should check with the builder but older style engines often don't like full synthetic.

[1795]

I agree with Lippy in that in general older engines prefer dino oil. Without knowing what the viscosity was for the prior oil, it is hard to say anything about the current oil pressure. Viscosity dictates oil pressure, not whether it is synthetic or dino.

Lippy may be correct in that a drip or two of oil on the headers would cause some smell. Take a look at the ends of your side pipes, is there oil in the pipe, or are they clean/sooty? If you are burning more oil, you should see some evidence in the side pipes.

[Bernica]

How many miles and / or approx hours on the engine since it was first built? Also, what type of cam?...hydraulic, hyd roller, solid roller?

[MCoop]

Bernica, the engine is an M-6007-C460 460 cu. in. Ford Racing crate engine manufactured by AER Mfg. Manufacture date is March 1999 and the car currently has 8300 miles. I purchased the car with 5200 miles on it last year. Camshaft is a hydraulic M-6250-C460.

Documentation from the engine manufacturer I received with the car states that "Motorcraft 20W50 racing oil or any other good quality natural or synthetic racing oil may be used."

[patrickt]

The short answer is "Yes, an oil change can change the smell of your exhaust." As can a change of gasoline, as can an oil or fuel supplement. Humidity can do it, temperature can do it too. Here, Power Plus Fuel Fragrances - Make Your Exhaust Smell Like a Pina Colada I am particularly partial to the pina colada.

[Bernica]

Geez Patrick, I thought your flavor was Chalupa!

Seriously though, what Patrick said is true with fuel and oil. Just keep an eye on it and check the pipes now and again. I have run a tank of 110 octane in my car before (actually even higher) and the smell is like night/day.

Also, you say "your first oil change". I am assuming that someone else did it in the past few thousand miles?

What did your oil look like when you drained it?

[scootter]

I have the Ford Racing 514 which I rebuilt at 13k miles. I started out with 10W 40 conventional oil, then went to Valvoline VR1 20w 50 oil and usually add a quart of Rislone oil additive. I could tell a difference in the exhaust smell usually when I would start it.

Scott

[fordracing65]

Brad Penn oil. Try it

[Tommy]

If your Cobra smells different, its likely the oil. If it smells differently, its likely the aroma sensor has failed.

[MCoop]

Thanks for the feedback, gents. I will keep an eye (and nose) on it.