Need help finding source of “burnt oil smell” coming from engine into JT

[MattKay]

I have been smelling what I think is the smell of burnt oil in the cab of the truck when I have the air vents on. But it is especially noticeable when I step outside the truck and smell near the hood.and it’s been going on for 3000 miles or so. Maybe longer as the truck is used and I’ve only had it for the above time. Currently 85k on the truck.

I need help with where to start trouble shooting…so far I have done an oil analysis. I didn’t notice any wierd numbers on it but I’m new to that process.

I don’t have any “missing oil”
No spots or drops on the ground or on the exhaust
No leaks - some weeping at the oil filter cap and at a sensor on the top of the passenger side of the engine. But no drops or anything significant. (Not sure what that sensor is or does)
No errors codes
It smells all the time
The Jeep has a catch can installed by previous owner and who knows what mileage

my assumption is oil is coming out somewhere and cooking on something hot but I’m not sure where to look or what all I need to remove to see more of the engine.

if anyone could help I’d greatly appreciate it as I’m a bit stuck on how to find and fix this issue.
Thanks

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[Lunentucker]

If the oil cooler and filter housing are leaking, the oil will collect in the valley on top of the engine, and eventually migrate its way to the rear.
Then it will trickle down the rear and begin to appear there between the engine and transmission. Often misdiagnosed as a rear main seal leak.
Who does the oil changes? You or the dealer?

 

[Stan H]

Does the smell increase while traveling uphill , a steeper uphill ?

 

[HorsesRear]

I would remove and discard that oil catch can.

 

[MattKay]

If the oil cooler and filter housing are leaking, the oil will collect in the valley on top of the engine, and eventually migrate its way to the rear.
Then it will trickle down the rear and begin to appear there between the engine and transmission. Often misdiagnosed as a rear main seal leak.
Who does the oil changes? You or the dealer?

I’ll check that today. Dealer has done all the oil changes except the last one which I just did.

 

[MattKay]

I would remove and discard that oil catch can.

I’ve read some threads about the catch can - why do you recommend removing it?

 

[MattKay]

Does the smell increase while traveling uphill , a steeper uphill ?

it’s pretty flat here in Michigan. So no real long hills to test on. What are you thinking with regard to testing that way?

 

[HorsesRear]

I’ve read some threads about the catch can - why do you recommend removing it?

Your correct, there are a lot of information about them on this site. I have owned a lot of vehicles with a wide assortment of engines and I never once had a catch can. I personally believe that if the engine needed one that the manufacture would have installed it at the factory. However, if you think there is some value to having one than don't remove it.

 

[Lunentucker]

Your correct, there are a lot of information about them on this site. I have owned a lot of vehicles with a wide assortment of engines and I never once had a catch can. I personally believe that if the engine needed one that the manufacture would have installed it at the factory. However, if you think there is some value to having one than don't remove it.

That's some serious science. Better go ahead and remove it.

 

[HorsesRear]

It is not science at all. Just my opinion and I am sure that some of the experts on this forum will chime in and possibly convince you to keep it.

 

[Stan H]

it’s pretty flat here in Michigan. So no real long hills to test on. What are you thinking with regard to testing that way?

If it is leaking from the oil cooler then going uphill it will run down the back of the motor block.

 

[ZeeJay]

If the oil cooler and filter housing are leaking, the oil will collect in the valley on top of the engine, and eventually migrate its way to the rear.
Then it will trickle down the rear and begin to appear there between the engine and transmission. Often misdiagnosed as a rear main seal leak.
Who does the oil changes? You or the dealer?

I’ll second this, not the first time that’s ever happened…..

 

[ZeeJay]

I’ve read some threads about the catch can - why do you recommend removing it?

Don’t even asked man, that’s like 9mm vs .40 around here, emotions flare, toothbrushes get sharpened and stuff

 

[MattKay]

Don’t even asked man, that’s like 9mm vs .40 around here, emotions flare, toothbrushes get sharpened and stuff

ha!! Great reference!

 

[Charles 236]

Don’t even asked man, that’s like 9mm vs .40 around here, emotions flare, toothbrushes get sharpened and stuff

I don't have a dog in that fight. I use a 10mm when I need to use a cordless hole punch.

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