Whats that smell?

[PNW yota]

So every time I take a short trip in the 4runner when I get out there is a burning smell. It doesn't seem to be there if I'm driving a longer distance, but my commute to work is just a couple miles right now and it's there each trip. It's hard to describe the smell (electrical vs mechanical vs fluid). Here's what I've figured out so far:

1) It only seems to come the the front diver wheel well, even opening the hood sniffing around I can't smell it.
2) calipers aren't hanging
3) no CV boots leaking
4) no actual smoke of any kind
5) no fluid drips under my rig what-so-ever
6) checked front diff, oil is proper level and not burnt
7) engine oil proper level
8) transmission oil a bit high but not burnt
9) no exhaust leaks I can find


The only thing I can contribute it to at this point is the fact the oil filter sits on that side and there is a fair amount of spillage from oil changes in the area, but I would assume that would burn off at this point as it's been 2k since I changed it.

Any ideas?

 

[jamess]

Leaking valve cover gasket?

 

[PNW yota]

They are "gooey" but I would assume if it's burning oil from the valve gaskets I'd smell it more when opening the hood. I can't smell it at all under the hood, the only place it's intense is if I crouch near the front drivers side tire.

 

[Doc2012]

Here's why.

Your exhaust is right near there. The leaky VCG is dripping oil onto the exhaust.

Look around. Willing to bet is a VCG.

EDIT:

By exhaust I mean Headers.

 

[mooch91]

Valve cover gasket. Mine was awful when I first got it. Had been leaking for at least 50K miles according to the Toyota service records. Took at least 3-4 washdowns to get it all off once the VCGs were replaced. Since it is "gooey", you need to get every bit off after replacement or it will continue to smell.