Hey guys, I recently noticed that sometimes when I park, my Hummer will have a burning oil smell inside of the cabin. It's not particularly strong, but it is noticeable. From a cursory search, I haven't found any spills, and I don't see any smoke. I've also noticed it from time to time while idling, however it is either not present, or not noticeable when driving. Any ideas or suggestions on what it might be, or where to start looking?

Thanks in advance,
- qui

 

Forgot to mention some things. Truck has about 84K miles, and the oil was changed about 600-700 miles ago. I'm noticing this after a short trip, about 4 miles. This is a standard trip I've been doing for a couple weeks. I have no check engine or other warning lights, although I did lose 5psi in both right tires over the past 2 weeks. I can smell it inside the cabin, and more strongly under the hood, but not so much anywhere else.

I'm planning to do an oil change, and clean my throttle body and MAF sensor in the next 48 hours or so.

 

Do you have a H2? I have noticed some oil coming from my valve covers. It is a sticky residue so its a very very slow leak. Usually oil drops on headers and sends a "smoke signal", on most V8's. I havent had any problems with smell though. Make sure oil filter and all plugs are tight. Use a LED head light. More than likely something is dripping on your hot manifolds.

 

I have a 2006 H3 3.5L I5

 

Not saying this is your problem but my 2010 H3 Adv exhibited similar symptoms recently.
Turned out to be a leaky front pinion seal allowing a bit of oil to get flung up on the exhaust.
Dealer fixed mine under warranty.

Might want to check for that next time you are under the truck.

 

So I changed my oil today (Royal Purple 5w30 K&N HP-2006), and when I had it up on the lift, I noticed the area around my oil drain plug was covered in oil. Additionally the pan looking thing behind it (I think it's for the transmission? it looks like a 13x9 baking pan for brownies or a cake with a bunch of bolts around the rim) is partially covered in oil. The guy working in the bay next to me, as well as the shop operator seem to think it's something from higher up, dripping down. As far as we can tell, it's at the very back of the engine, near the top of what I think is the transmission. Before I drive over to the dealership where I bought it, are there any common leaks in that area?

2006 H3 3.5L 84K miles

Thanks
-qui

 

Just got back from the dealership. They're keeping it in the shop for a few days. They said they're replacing the rear main seal, and the forward sprag under warranty.

-qui