180,000 miles - oil smell

I have a 94 escort wagon with 182,000 miles. its still going strong. I change oil regularly and do all the other maintenence. I have replaced the valve cover gasket, but still smell oil when Idling. No spots under car. Is this normal for a high mileage? the valve cover gasket is not leaking. thanks

I have a 94 escort wagon with 182,000 miles. its still going strong. I change oil regularly and do all the other maintenence. I have replaced the valve cover gasket, but still smell oil when Idling. No spots under car. Is this normal for a high mileage? the valve cover gasket is not leaking. thanks

Id say its normal. If the cover was leaking before oil has leaked in places you wouldnt even think to look. Also consider the fan blowing this leaking oil around.

I'ld hit some basics first.Winter driving..not warming up(bad thermostat?)/excessivelly rich fuel mxture will be constantlly adding to/diluting the oil.Older engines will burn this easier than new ones.
The pcv hoses are known for cracking..check..maybe replace it.Maybe the valve too.
ANY exhaust leaks,smells in the engine compartment area )especially on an older engine) get drawn in with the heater on/windows closed.
Did you follow the valve cover gasket installation to the T.?

Maybe a blast with the pressure washer to see where it might be leaking.

Heavier oil.

Yes, I followed the installation to a T (valve cov gasket). It was not leaking, but replaced it anyway. engine warms fine. everything works great. But when hot, the engine has an oil smell, but no leak visible anywhere. Use stp oil treatment (4 cyl) every other month. use gas treatment every other month. use high mileage oil when i have the oil changed. like i said, everything works great. there is just an oil smell when it is idling, like at a bank drive thru window. btw, pvc valve and hoses checked and replaced. should I worry or is it just from high mileage, and normal? thanks for your replies!

Yes, I followed the installation to a T (valve cov gasket). It was not leaking, but replaced it anyway. engine warms fine. everything works great. But when hot, the engine has an oil smell, but no leak visible anywhere. Use stp oil treatment (4 cyl) every other month. use gas treatment every other month. use high mileage oil when i have the oil changed. like i said, everything works great. there is just an oil smell when it is idling, like at a bank drive thru window. btw, pvc valve and hoses checked and replaced. should I worry or is it just from high mileage, and normal? thanks for your replies!

seen my earlier reply? makes perfect sense to me.