Burnt oil smell around front end

[Weekender]

Hey guys, have noticed on my 1999 a burnt oil smell around the front end after driving a good distance. checked engine all over no leaks anywhere, bone dry...no oil or smoke coming out of tail pipe. changed pcv value. peformance got better, but still a smell. someone said there was a filter or canister under air cleaner......any thoughts or help...thankss.

[MattStrike]

Thins may seem silly, but does the engine consume (burn) oil? The valve cover gaskets are also known for leaking oil. If it's dripping directly on the exhaust manifold, you would be hard pressed to see it.

[Weekender]

had the oil changed yesterday, my mech checked everywhere under and around engine, clean as it should be, uses no oil between changes.no smoke or residue from tail pipe.

[PaulyGXP]

maybe just paranoid? I guess if it all looked good and doesn't take oil then you should be fine... but it could still be what mattstrike suggested. If its dripping right onto the manifold it would burn quickly making it seem like there isn't a leak anywhere. Like you said though, the oil level was where it should be so it shouldn't be anything to severe... maybe a drip now and then, or maybe some oil was spilled another time

[00Beast]

99% of the time it's bad valve cover gaskets. It can be hard to see them if it's just dripping on the exhaust manifold, especially if it's the rear valve cover leaking.