Procrastinational Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Hi all, My pathfinder has had an odd issue as long as I can remember (at least 2 years). I'm really hoping you guys can help me figure out what the cause is. I used the search, and I didn't find anything with the same issue. Other smells, but not the same issue. So basically, this never pops up in normal driving, but when I go on a long highway trip, after an hour or two, there seems to be a very unpleasant smell that seeps into the cabin. It sort of smells a bit like oil burning, but at each oil change, the oil level has never really dropped at all. I believe the smell comes through the a/c vents in the dash, and it occurs whether the fan is on or not (not really relevant but the A/C does not work so I don't have the fan on often in the summer). I have just taken to cracking the window, which provides enough airflow that I don't smell anything, but I'd really like to figure out what is causing this. It seems to occur more strongly and come on more quickly when I drive at higher speeds on the highway (it's geared pretty low, so anything over 3000 or maybe 3200 on the highway, or around 110 km/h and above, brings on the smell after a while). The temperature gauge is always rock steady a hair below half on the dial.I appreciate any feedback. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushnut Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 whats it look like under the hood? a leaky valve cover gasket could seep enough oil to drip onto the exhaust manifold yet not register on the dip stick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Yep, I would re-tighten the valve covers first, it only takes a little oil running down to burn off and stink. Take a look around the exhaust manufold and cats to see if there is anything noticable as well. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procrastinational Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 So looking under the hood, there does seem to maybe be a little bit of seepage. I'll try to take a few pictures today. Is there an easy way to post pictures on this forum? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Considering it is a few mouse clicks, yes, I'd say it is easy... They need to be hosted on an internet site like photobucket (there are quite a few) and then you copy the direct link from that site and paste it into the picture icon field after you click on it (^above). Our 1999.0 had leaking valve cover gaskets bad enough that the spark plug wells were filled with a mixture of bakes oil and acorn husks (courtesy of some mice, obviously). It took me 3 hours to clean the wells out enough for me to pull the plugs. Just try snugging the screws and wiping off the immediate oil so you can see if it still leaks. You can only get to 1/2 the screws on the drivers side, but that worked well enough. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procrastinational Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkorahil Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 I guess I am late to the party. What the others said! X2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procrastinational Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 Alright... This is what I found:And while I'm here, does anyone know how to get this to stop oozing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Remove the plug and put some teflon tape on there. Those valve cover gaskets don't look that bad. Try tightening the screws. Could be bad at the back side of the engine like mine were. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procrastinational Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 Thanks. I'll try to get things sorted out, when I have time this weekend. Hopefully I won't end up with more questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushnut Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 there are alway more questions....how else do you learn anything? we are always here to help when we can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Don't worry about the diff, that probably took years to ooze and it hasn't even managed a drip yet. If anything, it will keep that part from rusting. Hell, you should probably get more and smear it around! B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushnut Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 that makes me feel better somehow.......mine leaks oil all over the place. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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