Awful odor from exhaust, occasional smoke.

Greetings from Crossville Tennessee!
I started having a problem with my 98 Tacoma, 2.7L last Friday. I drove for 5 miles on the interstate, everything was normal. I stopped for the red light on the exit ramp, and noticed lots of smoke, coming from the exhaust pipe. The odor was terrible, like burned popcorn. The gauges were all normal, truck running fine. Later that day, I checked the fluids, added 1/2 at of oil, and 32 oz of coolant.

Here's what I've noticed since then/ The smokiness doesnt occur until I drive at speeds over 65mph and then come to a stop. The odor persists though, even when theres no smoke. It is an awful burned French fry type smell.

I pulled the spark plugs, and my limited knowledge wasn't much help. I'll try and post pics of the plugs, and a video of the smoke.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions on troubleshooting this strange problem!

 

What color was the smoke? White or Blue or Black? Do you normally add that much coolant? That amount seems excessive to me.

 

Looks like you are running rich. Also check the PCV valve.

 

...and that much oil

 

The smoke was more of a white color, I guess, there wasn't much blue in it.

About the fluids, I sometimes have to add 1/2 qt of oil every 2500 miles. The coolant usually stays full. but I hadn't checked it for awhile.

 

White smoke most often times involves the burning of coolant, Keep an eye on your temp gauge while driving.

 

No check engine light on?
How many miles do you have on the truck?

 

Did the white smoke dissipate quickly (water) or not (oil)

 

And carry several gallons of extra water. If the temp gauge starts to climb, turn on the heater full blast to help keep the engine cool. When the heater stops blowing warm air, your coolant is getting very low. At that point your engine may be getting too hot though. As stated, watch your gauge closely.

Maybe you knew this. FWIW.

 

Usually though, coolant smoke doesn’t really stink.

 

^^^This^^^^ one thing for sure it will not get better on it's own.

 

Just filled up with crap gas ?
Something in the tank.
Have nice neighbors ?

 

Also check your oil filler cap for milky looking substance indicating water in the oil. And the rad cap when cool for brown substance indicating oil in water.

 

Coolant does not just disappear like oil does (aka get burned off)...if you are losing coolant then it IS going somewhere...the question is where? Hopefully you just have a slow leak somewhere, but your description of this event plus the white smoke and missing coolant, makes me think you might have a blown headgasket

 

True, I am also thinking that may be coming from the catalytic converter now that it may be getting wet from coolant.

 

Good thinking.

 

First thing I would do is run a compression check on the cylinders. That could reveal what might be going on. You may be at the beginning of a full blown head gasket problem.

 

Seems to me like you are burning oil if you have to add oil every so often. Compression test is good idea