I first saw this about a month or two ago, my 2001 Jimmy smokes from the right rear of the engine. If it helps at all it smells like a BBQ haha. It looks like it is oil. We thought it was the valve cover gasket so we replaced it with a fel-pro from napa. Then today, it happened again. It only seems to happen when the truck drives for a while (30-45 minutes) Can anybody help me in finding what this is? Below is just a short video with the engine off but still hot of where the smoke was coming from. Thanks

YouTube - ‪jimmy smoke‬‏

 

Have you tried replacing the dipstick tube o-ring?

 

No I havent tried replacing the dipstick o-ring but it sounds like a good idea. We got some of the fluid that leaked out today and we are confused because it has the consistency of transmission fluid but it it darker almost like motor oil. It hard to tell by smell but it doesnt smell as strong as the motor oil on the oil dipstick.

 

trans fluid cooler line leaking onto the exhaust pipe maybe?

 

Could the cooler line only leak when the engine has run for about 45 minutes? I've only had this happen twice and it was when i ran it for about 45 min straight. I cant tell for sure but when i put my hand on the back of the engine it seems like i get a little bit on my hands. Il try to take some pictures tommorow morning if it'l help.

 

I also dont think its a coincidence that it just happened on a long drive because ive been on about 20, 20 minute drives and havent had a problem but this is the first long drive ive done since the last smoke up.

 

Make sure that you check the O-ring on the distributo.

 

Doesnt look like its the distributor o-ring. I'm pretty positive whats leaking is motor oil after I burnt a little ATF and a little motor oil to recreate the smell. Also compared the smell of the fluids themselves.

One thing I figured I should add that I thought was wierd was when my father and I changed the right valve cover gasket about two months ago, it felt like the bolts just stopped going in and it didnt feel like the compressing of the new gasket. Do the valve cover gaskets just seat and fill the gap or do they compress for a tight seal?

Also, if this was the problem can the oil only leak out when the engine is really hot and run for a long time? Thanks

 

If you see that it almost looks like tranny but yet oil very good possibilty it could be your rear main seal.

 

It seems like the leak is coming from a higher source then the real main seal area. When I reach my hand right behind the valve cover my hand gets a little wet with fluid.