Strong smell under load

[Dlhall]

2020 Ranger XLT, 2500 miles.
I have taken a couple of trips towing a trailer of about 5000lb (well under the 7500 capacity), and under normal, flat road it does well. However, when under load such as a hill, a strong lubricant smell comes out. I dont think its oil, not that smell, but some sort of lubricant for sure. I took it to the dealer and they say nothing wrong after changing the oil, checking tranny fluid, and an inspection. They say it could be some sort of assembly grease burning off. They also said when under the truck, they smelled the differential, but all was good.
Has anyone come across this, or have an idea of what this smell could be?

 

[RonD]

Check PCV system
With turbos you will get more blow-by so more oil vapor, any leaks in the system and you will smell it in the cab

Not sure if the 2.3l Ecoboost use similar PCV system as the 2.3l Duratec, it did have issues, needed to be serviced once a year
Mustangs using this Ecoboost engine were commonly updated with catch cans

Google: 2.3l ecoboost PCV system

 

[Mightyfordranger]

The title got me for sure. Lol dead hookers?

 

[Blmpkn]

What speed did you haul the trailer? And what did you average for fuel economy towing it?

 

[Dlhall]

About 60, and about 10mpg

 

[Blmpkn]

Thank you

 

[Shadowrider6661]

I've noticed that just about any vehicle I've ever driven would produce some type of petroleum like smell when it was driven under a heavier load. Isn't that the reason the manufacturer installs vent/breather tubes on their vehicles ? Just a random thought ! Oh, welcome to the club.

 

[Dlhall]

That's certainly a thought. However, this is a lubricant-type smell, not gas.
Thanks for the idea

 

[RonD]

Breather/vent is part of PCV system so would have an oil vapor smell, i.e. lubricant smell

EGR leak would have a "gas"/exhaust smell

 

[Dlhall]

Good idea. I need to verify that was checked at the dealer..thx

 

[RonD]

PCV system usually has negative pressure, so clamps are often not used on most PCV hoses, like vacuum lines don't have clamps

So if there is some positive pressure in the PCV system "under load" oil vapor/smell can leak out

 

[sgtsandman]

I have not noticed this but mine does have a trip from Southwestern PA and back and to middle FL and Western PA to Humble, TX and back. Both trips down and back were pretty much nonstop except for fuel, food, and bathroom stops. Heat soak would have been total with both trips. So, I would figure any assembly grease/lube would be burned off by now.

 

[Dlhall]

Thanks..I'm hoping that will be the case for me

 

[tomgates50]

2020 Ranger XLT, 2500 miles.
I have taken a couple of trips towing a trailer of about 5000lb (well under the 7500 capacity), and under normal, flat road it does well. However, when under load such as a hill, a strong lubricant smell comes out. I dont think its oil, not that smell, but some sort of lubricant for sure. I took it to the dealer and they say nothing wrong after changing the oil, checking tranny fluid, and an inspection. They say it could be some sort of assembly grease burning off. They also said when under the truck, they smelled the differential, but all was good.
Has anyone come across this, or have an idea of what this smell could be?

I've been having a similar issue. I've had my 2020 XLT since early Jan. First 4 months no issues and also not towing. Then I towed a 3500 lb camping trailer to FL and back. Often when I came to a stop, I would get a burned oil smell in the cab. Occasionally get a whiff during cruise. Now that I'm home and not towing, it still happens occasionally. Dealer inspected the truck yesterday and could find nothing burning or smelling. I expect I'll be going back.