Oil Leak? Burning Smell and Smoke - Nothing on ground

The solution is to replace the worn gaskets and bolt gromets. Tightening the bolts is a bandaid.

 

Just be careful tightening them. At 53 INCH LBS, really easy to fk up.

 

If you have burned oil smell and can detect no leaking, check the valve cover cap. The seal can go bad and allow fumes to escape.

It’s what made the burned oil smell on my 97.

 

Were your bolts actually loose?

Gasket and grommets can shrink over time leaving the bolts a bit loose. And yes, only tighten to 53 in-lb. If the bolts are loose then this could be a good solution to your issue, but if the bolts weren't loose to begin with and you just continue tightening them past 53 in-lb that isn't a good idea.

 

Thanks all. Yes, the bolts were noticeably loose and required tightening. Smell still much better.

@Bent Wheel - is the valve cover cap accessible without taking everything out?

 

I don't have a torque wrench that goes that low. Prefer not to spend alot for something I won't use often. Any suggestions on what to get?

 

Harbor freight quarter inch drive bottom shelf like $17 bucks or less depending upon sale or not. That's like the cheapest option besides Amazon. Good torque wrenchs cost more

Edit: HF $18.99 Texas but they have upper tier wrenchs also but cost more.