Strong burned oil smell from driver's side
 

Any ideas on this one? Even when my oil filter mount gasket was leaking it never smelled bad, it just leaked onto the ground. This is terrible - a real burned oil smell, but from the driver's side, not the passenger's. I double-checked the valve cover gasket which was replaced earlier this year - this is a 3.0 - and no evidence of leaks around it, all fasteners snug.

Perhaps a CCV hose has let loose?

Any ideas are appreciated!

It very well could be CCV return hose. But for the CCV hoses, if it's real bad condition causing oil leak, then it will throw CEL as well.

When did you do your valve cover gaskets?only way to get that smell is if there's oil on the exhaust manifold..when hot ,it will burn and make its way inside through the vents.
Clean the motor with degreaser and then look for oil spills.Thats what I'd do at least...

:iagree:

Exhaust manifold is on the right side of the car for a 3.0. OP stated that the smell is from the Left side (driver side) of the car.

Yes, it's very side-dependent, with almost no smell on the pass. side. I went all around the front, back, and pass. side of the head and felt no fresh oil, so I'd be surprised if it's the VC gasket. No CEL either.
I suspect my mechanic will put the dye in the oil to trace the leak.

Well, good news/bad news story: Replaced the VC gasket and the burned oil smell is GONE. Now, however the mileage has dropped from about 18 to 16 MPG and the MPG gauge (vacuum gauge, I'm assuming) is acting strange. It's spending a lot of time in the high vacuum range and on coasting it will go to max MPG but occasionally move from the pegged position to a lower reading. I suspected a vacuum leak somewhere, especially the rubber line that goes behind the VC, but don't hear anything or feel any cuts. Also, NO SES light.
Any ideas out there?