Smelly 4Runner

downbylaw

New member
I have a 1999 4Runner (3.4, 5 speed, 163k) that always smells very hot after driving. Not an electrical smell but sort of a dirty burnt oil smell. I've checked for leaks and monitored fluid levels. It never runs hot according to the temp gauge. My mechanic thinks I am hallucinating which is a possibility I don't deny. Anyone else had this problem? Thanks.
 

Watt maker

Active member
I would check the following: valve covers and gaskets, oil pan and gasket, leftover oil residue from oil changes?, differential seals and t-case seals, over greased u-joints slinging grease onto the exhaust.
 

tanglefoot

ExPoseur
I wonder if it's the gear oil in the trans or T-case. We have a '98 5-speed in the family and after driving it a while, it seems like a little bit of warm gear oil smell wafts into the cabin. You could try a little sealant between the shifters and the rubber shroud, or see if you have any cracks or gaps around there.
 

MandAtaco

Observer
x3 on valve cover gaskets. They will leak down on the exhaust manifolds and give that hot smell. I changed mine at around 193K, they were so dried out they could pretty much stand up on their own.

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