2nd Gen Sequoia: Burning oil smell after driving, oil on the exhaust manifolds, no drip on the ground

Checks, in order

1. Find the seam
   Degrease, drive, and look with a light at the rear of each head where the cam housing meets it, above the manifold. Oil along the valve cover edge only is the cheaper valve cover gasket job.
   easy $ · under about $50
2. Rule out neighbors
   The oil filter housing, VVT-i lines and valve cover gaskets drip onto the same manifold. Check them before quoting the big job.
   easy $ · under about $50
3. The repair
   Valve covers, timing cover and chains come off to lift and reseal the cam housings with Toyota FIPG. Independent Toyota shops have quoted owners about $1,650–1,850 for both towers plus valve covers; dealers considerably more. Do both banks at once.
   hard $$$ · shop-level job, $500+
4. Watch the sensors
   Oil on the air-fuel sensor harness near the manifold causes heater circuit codes. If you get P0031 or P0051 along with the smell, the leak is the root cause.
   easy $ · under about $50

Applies to: 2nd generation Sequoia, 2008 to 2022, with the 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 (most trucks) and the 4.6L 1UR-FE (2010–2012). It shares its engines, brakes and steering with the 2nd gen Tundra, so the engine items here match that truck. Rear air suspension items apply to the Platinum trim.

Tools and parts for these checks

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Go deeper

• Toyota Sequoia Fluid Capacities & Types (2nd Gen, 2008–2022)

The same problem on other Toyotas

• 2nd Gen Tundra (2007–2021): Burning oil smell or smoke from the engine bay after a drive, no puddle on the ground (5.7L)

More 2nd Gen Sequoia problems

• Check engine light with VSC and 4LO flashing, limp mode, codes P0418, P2440, P2442, P2445 (Emissions)
• Rear end sags, leans, or rides harsh; air compressor runs constantly or not at all (Platinum) (Steering & Suspension)
• Pink crust at the front of the engine or in the valley, coolant level dropping (Cooling)
• Rear liftgate window grinds, drops into the gate, or will not move (Body & Electrical)
• Brake booster pump buzzing, sinking pedal, ABS/VSC/BRAKE lights with C1252 or C1256 (Brakes)
• Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank (Starting & Charging)

All 8 2nd Gen Sequoia symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.