Burning smell after driving the truck

[happysmp]

Hey everyone
So since I bought the truck there has been a burning smell after having it run. My mechanic said the valve cover gaskets were leaking on to the exhaust which accounts for the smell.., these were changed a couple of days ago but I still smell it.

Any thoughts or is this too general a question
Thanks guys

 

[mooch91]

Residual oil from the vc gaskets? Do you know if the half moons and cam plugs were also resealed? I believe my dealer did my vc gaskets but did not do the cam plugs. I washed the back of the motor like crazy but still get the smell on occasion.

 

[happysmp]

Took the truck to a different garage and they said it was one of these things but most likely number 1. Based on the repair costs I was quoted for rebuilds and replacements I don't think it's going to be reasonable to address it.

1. Prop shaft leaking. The yolk is whipping fluid in the o2 sensor
2. Rack (steering) boots leaking needs rebuild
3. Head gasket sight leak - can see residual oil

 

[lgc285]

im having this problem as well. I need to look into the valve cover gaskets

 

[jgue467]

Can take a while for oil to clear out

after doing a vc gasket. Mine were so loose i could turn some by hand! I tightened as many as i could easily access and voila - leaking vc stopped. I then put engine degreaser on the areas, covered up electrical stuff and washed it off - not perfect but better. It still took a few weeks to a couple months for all the oil burning smell to finally go away but it did and stayed away-woohoo!

So wait a little longer Happy and try try the tightening first lgc. Good luck@

 

[Spaceman33]

Same issue. Tightened VC bolts. Definitely helped. Oil change guy says it's my rear main seal. Understand it's an expensive fix. Like $1K+

 

[awthorn]

Ah, the smell of a successful doughnut!

 

[happysmp]

Well if it's the valve gaskets then I'm good. Had those replaced and I'll ask my garage to take another look and hopefully they won't charge me!

It was also only done a couple of weeks ago so maybe giving it a bit more time will help. Keep you posted.

Thanks for the help guys

 

[lgc285]

after doing a vc gasket. Mine were so loose i could turn some by hand! I tightened as many as i could easily access and voila - leaking vc stopped. I then put engine degreaser on the areas, covered up electrical stuff and washed it off - not perfect but better. It still took a few weeks to a couple months for all the oil burning smell to finally go away but it did and stayed away-woohoo!

So wait a little longer Happy and try try the tightening first lgc. Good luck@

HA! you were right. def leaking. there was a lot of sludge, I need to clean it...and I could turn some by hand as well! maybe leaking a lot??

couple questions: Im new to this, learning as I go...

Assuming I am actually looking at the valve cover...near the transmission dipstick? how the h ell do you access all the bolts??

Also how big of a problem is this? u really think just tighten and clean it off??

 

[98WhiteT4R]

So glad I'm not the only one with a burning smell! Gonna tighten my VCs today and wash the engine, hopefully that gets rid of the smell.

 

[4Runner4TW]

I had my VC done about 10 months ago and I still get that burning smell after driving for awhile or idling for a long time. It drives me crazy to smell it.

 

[Inate]

Check your trannies!

I only say this because I've had that odd "burning" smell that started up about 3 months ago after a long highway drive.

Checked my tranny fluid and confirmed it to be "burning"/wearing.

Changed this out and now the smell is gone, just need to investigate the issue further.

 

[jgue467]

HA! you were right. def leaking. there was a lot of sludge, I need to clean it...and I could turn some by hand as well! maybe leaking a lot??

couple questions: Im new to this, learning as I go...

Assuming I am actually looking at the valve cover...near the transmission dipstick? how the h ell do you access all the bolts??

Also how big of a problem is this? u really think just tighten and clean it off??

Yup those are the bolts,-near tranny stick about 6 per side maybe more (3 on lower and 3 on upper side of each cover). Yeah, I mostly tightened the lower ones but I could reach some of the upper ones, may need to remove air intake on left side to reach them all, intake is in the way on left upper side, errrr. You'll probably need a flexible head on your socket to help reach them all.

well unless its pouring out, this isn't that big a deal. if you have the $$ to replace them of course do it. I'm a cheapskate and really only meant the solution to be temporary but its been over a year now and no more leaks. I think they just need periodic tightening. It did take quite (maybe months) a while for the oil to finally finish burning off, just check that no more is coming out after your cleanup job. Now I can roll my windows down, woohoo!