Burning Oil Smell

[XCAMP]

After -18 degree weather this week, I got home today and smelled burning oil from the engine. Looked around but it was dark when I got home and couldn't see any head gasket obvious issues with a flashlight. Just wondering where I should start looking tomorrow when the sun is up. I had overdrive disengaged and was stomping it a bit up through the mountains on the way home but nothing crazy. Spun a bit on a hill with gravel and slush on the way home. I have been driving in snow and slush for weeks now. Anyone experience a similar issue in harsh winter - snow and ice conditions? Wondering if the -18 cold temps snapped something obvious I should look for? Thanks!

 

[arco777]

A leaking valve cover gasket may be letting oil onto your exhaust manifolds. Check them for signs of "wetness". The oil will burn off but you will be able to see where it was, as it will leave stains on the manifold surface.

 

[XCAMP]

Thanks for the reply... Doesn't appear to be coming from the valve cover, I got under the truck and it is coming from where the shaft enters the front diff, but it is all over the oil pan as well, however I think it would be the farthest forward stop since I was driving it would spray back. I had it in 2 feet of snow in 4X4 low last weekend. Is there anything I can check other than the front diff fluid level? It smells like oil but I guess I could be mistaking regular engine oil for diff fluid, it's a nastier smell, fluid is a clear brown color, and I think trans fluid is more red? Thanks!

 

[XCAMP]

Follow up... I am pretty sure it's the pinion seal from my research, I pulled the diff drain plug and there's oil in there. I bought some extra gear oil and a pump to keep her full until I can get to a mechanic. Would be hard to do myself in the snowy driveway right now but seems pretty straight forward to replace that seal though.