Weird Smell Coming From Engine!

I have a very weird burning smell coming from underneath my hood. it will appear during a hot/cold day and a few miles/many miles trip. there is also some white smoke that will appear as well. it usually comes form the left side of the hood where the coolant overflow is located. there is plenty of coolant and also no signs of a leak there. however i have noticed a lot of dust/dirt build up around one of the seals of the casings (im not too sure of the correct terminology for this part-novice). i also see some fluid that looks like oil. my oil is not low nor does it go low quicker than normal. any ideas anyone?? thanks

It still could be engine oil. Or power steering fluid. Check the power steering fluid level.

today i checked with a local mechanic and according to him i have leaky valve gaskets. he stated that i would probably have to pay around $600 - $800 for the repair. he said it is mostly labor for him having to remove the DOHC. does this price seem reasonable?

I'm not too familiar with the CTS engine, but that sounds high for one gasket! Are both leaking? I'm not sure what he meant by removing the DOHC? It's just a cover over the cams, and shouldn't be too labor intensive. But again, I'm not too familiar with those engines.
Have you asked a Cadillac dealer what the price would be to change the cam cover gasket?

no thats notto much to be paying for a headgasket. acctually pretty reasonable if you ask me. the DOHC stands for dual over head cams wich means he would have to remove the cam shaft. so belive me its def. not to much to be paying.

Please look at the dates before posting, I am sure this has been resolved in the last 3 years!