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

Checks, in order

1. Find the source before paying for anything
   Degrease the engine, drive it, and look with a light at the rear of each cylinder head where the cam housing meets the head, above the exhaust manifold. A wet seam there is the cam tower. Oil only along the valve cover edge is a valve cover gasket, which is a far cheaper job.
   easy $ · under about $50
2. Rule out the easy leaks
   Check the oil filter housing, the VVT-i oil lines and the valve cover gaskets. Any of them can drip onto the same manifold and copy the smell.
   easy $ · under about $50
3. The repair
   Valve covers, timing cover and chains come off so the cam housings can be lifted and resealed with Toyota FIPG, usually both banks at once. Shops quote 7–8 hours or more; dealer estimates reported by owners run roughly $3,800–5,500, independent Toyota shops less. Some owners got goodwill help from Toyota while the truck was still young. There was never a recall.
   hard $$$ · shop-level job, $500+
4. Living with a slow one
   A seep that costs a quart between oil changes is not an emergency; a leak that soaks the manifold is a fire and oxygen-sensor risk. Oil on the sensor harness near the manifold is a known cause of A/F sensor heater codes.
   easy $ · under about $50

Applies to: 2nd generation Tundra, 2007 to 2021, with the 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 (most trucks), the 4.6L 1UR-FE (2010–2019) and the 4.7L 2UZ-FE (2007–2009). Engine-specific items say which engine they apply to. Assumes a stock truck.

Tools and parts for these checks

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Go deeper

• Toyota Tundra Fluid Capacities & Types (2014–2025)

The same problem on other Toyotas

• 2nd Gen Sequoia (2008–2022): Burning oil smell after driving, oil on the exhaust manifolds, no drip on the ground

Other engine problems on the 2nd Gen Tundra

• Ticking from the engine on cold start that fades as it warms up

More 2nd Gen Tundra problems

• Check engine light, VSC and 4LO flashing, truck stuck in limp mode (P0418, P2440, P2442, P2445) (Emissions)
• Pink crust or a drip at the front of the engine, coolant level dropping (Cooling)
• Turn the key: one click or nothing, engine does not crank (Starting & Charging)
• Brake booster motor buzzing, sinking or hard pedal, ABS/VSC/TRAC lights (Brakes)
• Gear oil on the inside of a rear wheel or on the brake backing plate (Drivetrain)
• Rust on the frame rails or rear crossmember, flaking or soft spots (Frame & Body)

All 10 2nd Gen Tundra 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.