Smells hot, gauges fine, coolant and oil levels good

I bought a 2002 4Runner with 210,000 miles 3 months ago for a spare vehicle and fell in love with it. Had been parked for a year before I got it. New transmission hoses, battery, oil change and tires. Runs great. About 3 or 4 weeks ago I started noticing a "hot" smell. Gauges are good and no indicator lights on. I drove about 8 miles this morning and noticed the smell again. Popped the hood, overflow has coolant and not bubbling and I can put my hand on the hose between radiator and motor. But, I did notice a little smoke or steam coming up from between the motor and firewall. What could this be? I called the shop and they can't work me for a week. I don't want to drive it until something breaks, but could live with a little leak.

 

Welcome to the forum, so i am guessing you can’t see any leaks, or rats nests? It may be from sitting for a year. I would drive it a little and see if it develops into something you can spot. Have looked to see what condition the exhaust system is in?

 

Thank you for your response and for your service to our country. No rats nests, though I have had the problem with other vehicles. I don't see any leaks and don't notice spots on the ground where I always park, but under the hood and what I can see underneath without getting under it looks like there could be a leak.....or just build over time.

 

I think that area is where some heater coolant lines go? I would suspect a coolant leak.

 

Most likely its just leaky valve covers dripping oil on exhaust manifold.

 

Check your “Heater Control Valve” for drip leak.

Phil-

 

Agreed

 

Is the smell sweet or does it smell like burnt oil?