fumes in the cabin

[wildcatt]

Not sure if there is already a thread on this, or how to describe it properly.

But - I've been noticing what smells like oil burning in the truck cabin after I've been running for about 15 min and I come to a stop. When I lift the hood I can smell it a bit, but not as much as inside.

Just wondering if anyone has had this happen to them, before I start chasing a ghost.

Thx

98 4runner limited - 3.4L - stock - 207,000 KM (128,000 miles) on the odometer

 

[mijbr90190]

Ive got the same problem. I was thinkin valve cover gaskets, but there isnt a ton of oil residue on the engine.

 

[wildcatt]

Ive got the same problem. I was thinkin valve cover gaskets, but there isnt a ton of oil residue on the engine.

I was thinking that too. I've got a bit of oil around the bolts. But haven't had a chance to see if they are loose.

The winter is a tough time to check this stuff out.

 

[otterpupster]

I've just dropped my fuel tank(98 4-runr). If you check ur rear seat you'll see an opening plate w/fuel sensor wiring. Ucan unplug and check ur fuel lines to ur fuel pump for leakage.Otherwise feel around ur muffler exhaust pipe.Inspect around trans bell housing as well.Good luck!

 

[Jon]

If It's oil you smell, then it's an oil leak. Most likely valve cover gaskets. You can snug the bolts up for now but you will need to replacement the gaskets to cure the leak. Just search for "valve cover " for threads

 

[wildcatt]

just to confirm the cause of the burnt oil smell.

The valve covers were loose.

Tightening has stopped the condition - for the time being

 

[mijbr90190]

Cool, ill be doing that today.

 

[CitadelBlue]

Although I've got the same issue, 04 Limited 4WD, I noticed it first when I stopped for gas and just got out of the vehicle (the odor was outside and not inside) ... I really couldn't trace it anywhere as the odor dissipated rather quickly. I haven't noticed any loss of oil and my engine is pretty clean. But I'll take a wrench to the valve covers today...

I discussed the oil burner on the tailpipe odor with a friend last night and he was saying something about a possible oil gasket in the AC system in which there was a recall several years years ago. The solution was basically take apart the entire AC vent system and replace the gasket .... does this ring a bell with anyone?

 

[CitadelBlue]

Any additional input?

 

[CitadelBlue]

Humm.. seems there is a TSB:
Google

but NOT for my model year ....

Yep .. it was a sunny day today soooooo I did pop the hood and you can really see stuff under the hood especially in the sunlight ....

Yep .. looks like I've got a couple of "wet" areas around the valve covers .... I did a light tightening. ... but really could NOT get to the top bolts because of all the engine stuff - throttle body etc on top ...

Will monitor the power steering fluid (seems its wet there too) and the engine oil .

Thanks for the responses .....