Oil burning smell in 96

[sgbuick]

On 96 Caprice, 4.3 liter engine, I keep smelling mild burning-oil fumes around the engine area and sometimes through the dash vents, but neither I nor any mechanic has found any signs of oil leaking near the engine. No smoke or valve cover leaks either, just a mild fumey burning-oil smell near the front after parking, etc. I looked over the entire engine compartment with a flashlight, saw no signs of oil leaks. Can anything else cause this to happen other than actual oil leaking somewhere?

[bhw33191]

I have the same problem with my 83..but thats only because i have a leaky valve cover. Looking under the car however, there was a significant amount of oil that seamed to be coming from where the transmission connects to the engine.

[big dwag]

Could be leaking from the rear intake gasket, back corner of a valve cover gasket, Or if your engine is real dirty it could be just getting hot causing the oil to burn.

[Blue Bowtie]

I'd agree with the Dwag about the dirty engine. Clean the exterior of the engine thoroughly. This will remove any accumulated contaminants and help reveal any leakage. Monitor for leaks for the next several weeks.

[82CapriceClassic]

what do you clean the engine with because I have the same problem, although I do know I have a oil leak...but I dont think it should be smelling like burnt oil

[Blue Bowtie]

I use cheap laundry detergent, a stiff brush, and hot water. I've cleaned up some real pigpens that way.

[82CapriceClassic]

thanks...thats my next project after i find my car door...clean up under the hood because it has alot of built up gunk under there...i cant even see the metal parts lol

[sgbuick]

Is there anywhere else other than the valve covers that can cause an oil leak, with no smoke after the engine is shut off? My engine is pretty clean, just a bit of dust/dirt on the upper areas. I will try cleaning around the valve covers to see if I see anything.
I did notice that the middle of the intake manifold next to the valve covers looks a bit dark and stained, but it doesn't look like oil, just discolored. I wiped that area with a paper towel and nothing came off on the towel, so it's not wet with anything.

[Blue Bowtie]

Is the oil level dropping? Another common oil leak is the oil cooler adapter (above the oil filter) and the oil cooler lines.

[mike561]

Last week i developed an oil leak, it looked like there was oil blowing out of the oil dipstick (the dipstick isnt loose however) theres a big splat of oil on the exhaust header now right under where the dipstick gets inserted, its not blowing oil out badly anymore though. I was told to start using 20 w 50 oil with that lucas stop oil leak stuff. overall though oil leaks are extremely typical for a small block chevy motor.

[82CapriceClassic]

yea i use 20/50..havent tried the lucas oil yet or even bothered to try and get my oil leak fixed...i can def see the oil leak better when its raining and the oil and running with the water

[big dwag]

The only other place i can think of would be leaking from the rear oil pan gasket are the front gasket.