How To Stop ATV From Burning Oil? Ultimate Solution 2023

There are a couple of reasons an ATV might scent 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.

When your ATV burns oil, it indicates that oil has actually reached the burning chamber. This can lead to terrifying incidents for you each time you start your ATV. What caused this to happen to your ATV? How to stop ATV from burning oil?

In this article, we will discuss the reasons why ATVs burn oil and what to do about it. If you have this problem with your ATV, then this is one article you won't want to miss!

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.

In some cases, people mention that their vehicles burn oil simply because they notice a decrease in engine oil. However, there may be other reasons that actually cause the level to drop.

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 to tell is if you start to see blueish-white smoke coming from the exhaust when the engine is running.

Pay attention to your oil level, if you notice it dropping after a few rides, you may be burning oil. Some quads will burn oil more slowly and it can be difficult to tell just by checking the oil level.

Why Your ATV Burning Oil?

Since you understand a lot more concerning what it means when your ATV burns oil, it's time to identify what may be causing the issue. Per the introduction, here are seven causes of oil burning in an ATV.

Your ATV is burning oil due to the following factors:

• 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

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 that 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. In addition, dirt, mud, leaves or other debris can build up on the exhaust.

The exhaust gets hot while riding, and anything that touches it will slowly burn, giving off an unpleasant odor that you may error for burning oil. Check the location in 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 usual ways to tell if you have actually a broken valve stem seal gets on 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.

This causes even more oil buildup, and then an increasing number each time you use your ATV. If a buildup of burnt oil in the muffler is your problem, after that you could discover that your ATV's exhaust is dripping a dark-colored oil.

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

Take out the purge valve for 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 mins. 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, then 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.

That stated, if you overuse your ATV on a regular basis, the engine may be damaged over time. You can need to obtain your ATV's engine repaired and even replaced, both of which will certainly be very costly.

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 also it won't simply be from the exhaust. Rather, the smell will permeate throughout your entire ATV.

The factor you're scenting such a strong smell is that the ATV does not have oil, so the engine components are experiencing rubbing. The rubbing generates heat, and you smell that heat.

And 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 suggests 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.

Odd as it might appear, even using a different brand name than what's suggested may, in many cases, cause your bike to burn oil. Switching back to the one recommended by the manufacturer might be simply what it needs.

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

If you bought a used ATV, the first thing you should try is changing the oil if it burns. You never know what type the previous owner put in.

In any case, it's not a waste of time or money, as an extra oil change will only benefit your ATV.

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 ATVs life, so don't forget to do it.

As a matter of fact, some suppliers will void the warranty if you do not change the oil and perform a 100-mile valve check. Maintain that in mind and also take care of your ATV engine.

ATV Oil Burning Solutions Summary

1. Check the location in between the exhaust and the heat shield for the build-up and also tidy it out;
2. Replace the worn valve stem seals;
3. Purge the oil build-up from your muffler;
4. It is vital not to use too much or too little oil;
5. Staying with the type of oil suggested by the manufacturer suggests;
6. Don't forget to change the oil before you put the first 10 hours or 100 miles on the new ATV.

How To Prevent An ATV From Burning Oil

This can be quite a test for your ATV. Fortunately, your ATV doesn't seem to be burning oil anymore, but you can never be too careful.

We think you'll enjoy this section on prevention tips to prevent ATVs from burning oil.

1. Avoid The Premium Quality Oil

Although you would think that premium quality oil is the very best of the best, we don't recommend it for ATVs.

Why? Premium quality oils will burn at a higher rate compared to regular oils, which will definitely cause problems with your ATV.

The only exception is if the producer advises premium quality oil, yet do not anticipate that they will.

2. Never Make Your ATV Run Out Of Oil

If you have actually used your ATV for 100 miles or 10 hours, after that you require to replenish the ATV with oil. This will certainly avoid too little oil from remaining in the ATV.

Right here's something additionally that should motivate you to keep your ATV's container filled. If you do not, your manufacturer's warranty may be voided.

You should check your ATV's valves and change the oil every 100 miles. Don't miss out on long-term protection and possible free repairs because your warranty has lapsed!

3. Maintain Your Spark Plugs

Spark plugs can hinder your ATV's ability to handle oil and reduce the performance of your vehicle.

Therefore, once you reach the 100-mile mark, in addition to refueling your ATV, you will need to check the spark plugs and replace any faulty ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Burning Oil Damage The Engine?

Burning oil is a common issue, but when it is neglected, it can do significant damage to your vehicle's engine. Common causes of oil combustion include worn valve stems, guides and seals, and piston rings, all of which can allow oil to leak into burning chambers.

Why Is My Oil Burning So Quickly?

Burning oil is usually the result of worn parts. Such as worn valve seals and/or piston rings can cause your vehicle to burn oil. Both valve seals and piston rings serve to prevent engine oil from entering the combustion chamber.

What Is The Most Common Cause Of Excessive Oil Consumption?

Under regular operating conditions, excessive oil consumption is usually a mechanical problem. In most cases where oil consumption problems are investigated, the result is usually a leak problem - a leaking valve cover gasket, a leaking crankshaft seal or one of the main seals leaking.

Is White Smoke From Exhaust Bad?

Should my exhaust fumes be white? Generally, thin white exhaust smoke (similar to water vapor) is probably nothing to worry about.

Dense white exhaust smoke usually indicates a coolant leak, which can cause overheating and put your engine at risk of serious damage.

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Rodney L Herron

Rodney L is a technical writer and product consultant with over a decade of experience in the motor industry. Rodney is a fan of performance machines that run fast and loud and an expert in all things custom. His numerous articles and write-ups are available at our knowledge base. Whether it’s something wrong with your motorcycle or you are building a custom bike, you can trust Rodney’s experience.