Tonight I started my 4runner 3vze 5sp 4wd and smelled burning oil. It was coming from the pass side. It is visibly more greasy than the other side but I couldn't see any evidence of burnt oil on the exhaust manifold. It must be the valve cover gasket? Is it hard to replace those? Also is there a way to inspect the timing belt like the easiest way with out taking the upper radiator hose off. Thanks for the help.

 

So lately I have noticed I get this smokey smell when on a hill. My engine is pretty clean on the drivers side but on the pass side you can clearly see that some leakage has occurred. The t bars are all greasy and stuff. Does the engine get hot enough to burn caked on oil if its close to the exhaust Manifold? I just cant see a visable sign of burnt oil on the exhaust pipe itself. Any ideas?