You may also notice a burning smell after acceleration The hot exhaust system is located directly below the valve cover, and a small amount of leaking oil that comes in contact with these hot exhaust parts can produce smoke and a burning odor. In some cars, it can also result in a misfiring engine or a check engine light
Hey, Why is My Car Leaking Oil? | AutoTechIQ
Here is a more detailed list of the signs of a bad or leaking valve cover gasket.
Because the valve cover gasket is made of rubbers, under excess heat from the engine, and over time, the gasket tends to shrink and becomes brittle, which is the most common cause of oil leaks around the valve cover.
Here are 6 common signs of a leaking valve cover gasket to help you confirm the source of the leak 1) burning smell the valve cover is shielding so much compressed oil that is just aching to get out One little crack in the valve cover gasket will cause oil to leak through and fall onto other components of the engine. Oil leaks plague aging engines, but valve cover leaks top the list and are by far the most common
But don’t stress as valve cover gasket leaks are quite common, especially once your car has some miles on it Read on to learn what causes a valve cover to leak, symptoms of gasket failure, and what it’ll cost to replace it (it may be more than you think). If you smell burning oil, spot leaks near the valve cover, or experience engine misfires, it’s important to address potential valve cover gasket leaks promptly Acting now can prevent engine damage, uphold fuel efficiency, and reduce fire risks
Risk of engine wear, overheating, and fires increases with unattended leaks.
