Multiple threads have covered this but no common definite answer.

After going into vtec there is a slight metallic smell (which i assume is oil burning, AP1 car does burn oil) and can only smell it with windows/top down.

Sometimes occurs when I first drive/warm up the car as well (below vtec) I’ve replaced some common service items with OEM such as valve cover gasket/tube seals, vtec solenoid gasket (kraken), oil pressure switch/o-ring, TCT (Billman) and torqued the oil filter to spec.

Valve stem seals were replaced with Supertech ones.

Interesting note: before replacing the solenoid gasket the smell would come through the ac vents and I would smell it in the cabin (windows/top up) but replacing the gasket solved this. Still getting the smell outside the car. No visible oil leaks either.

Any input on this would be appreciated, thanks!

 

Can you check the PCV? I used to have this smell, especially when driving in the canyons until I replaced the PCV on my AP2.

I think it's likely just burning oil though. How much blowby/burn are you getting?

 

Valve cover and PCV was upgraded to AP2 style about 2k miles ago but I'll check if the PCV is still in good working condition.
I've experienced a failed PCV valve before which produced blue smoke out the exhaust but doesn't produce any smoke currently.

I average about a qt burn per 900-1000 miles so within spec for a 20+yr old car but the smell is just annoying and unpleasant.

 

PCV valve is so inexpensive no one can accuse you from just firing the Parts Cannon at the problem and hoping it kills it. More like a Parts BB Gun. If it helps, great. If not just skip lunch one day next week to compensate for the money loss and forget it.

-- Chuck

 

When troubleshooting, recognize there are often more than one failure mode for a component. That includes pcv valve.

A common method of troubleshooting many techs have used forever, not just car techs, is their experience with this symptom = this part (as well the reverse, as being contemplated here, this part = different symptom).

That is an awful way to fix anything and is not troubleshooting at all. Don't do that.