Burning oil smell

Tiny
SCORCOBRA
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
Need some insight here. I have the car listed above sedan (commuter car). I recently changed my oil and have been driving around with a burning oil smell in the cabin. I couldn't take the smell so I took a peek under the hood. I found a layer of oil on some parts and some burning oil residue on the exhaust manifold (don't know if i'm describing the right part). I've included two pictures to describe what is see. Both of the pictures, in my perspective, is taken on the right side of the vehicle towards the back of the engine. I did some reading and have concluded to either be rear main seal or valve cover gasket, or maybe head gasket?

First picture is of the upper portion - black metal plate and the circled bolt area is coated with a thin layer of oil.
Second picture is of the burned oil residue on the, guessing exhaust manifold?
Monday, April 20th, 2020 AT 7:59 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

From the pictures you've attached it looks to me like your valve cover gasket is leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold. That is pretty common for vehicles with over 100,000 miles to happen.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved for valve cover gasket replacement:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-valve-cover-gasket

I've attached a screen shot below of the part number and price of valve cover gaskets available at AutoZone auto parts stores.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Monday, April 20th, 2020 AT 8:53 PM
Tiny
SCORCOBRA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
DannyL, thanks for the quick response. That was my initial idea. My mechanic gave me a price of $550.00 for the repair. However, the parts involved was much more than just the valve cover gasket. He included upper and lower intake manifold, spark plug tube seals X6, and bolt seal X10. Was wondering if those are necessary? I have prices on RockAuto, there are left and right ones and one with both included. I'll need both sides I assume?
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Monday, April 20th, 2020 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again,

Yes, the intake manifold has to be removed to gain access to the valve covers. The valve covers do require spark plug tube seals to not allow motor oil into the spark plugs. Those parts are required along with the valve cover gaskets. I've attached a tutorial above showing what is involved for replacement. I've attached how to picture steps below for your specific vehicle. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
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Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 AT 10:39 PM

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