After parking from the drive home from work, i heard numerous "popping" sounds coming from the engine bay, accompanied by a burning smell. Naturally i opened the hood to see this black substance forming around the dipstick area. Any suggestions and recommendations on what could be happening? A little background info: 2000 5spd gxe with 217k miles. I've always done my own oil changes using full synthetic.

 

thats just oil sweats from the valvecover, nothing major. sometimes the oil can hit the exhaust manifold and burn off

the popping however isnt really related to that

 

Ok so that probably just needs a good cleaning. I didn't notice it during my last oil change. As for for the popping, this is the first time I heard it. I'm in scorching Florida and I think the heat has been taking a toll on my clutch, which I've also started to notice a burning smell sometimes.

 

was the popping like a ticking when you shut the car off? if so thats just the exhaust cooling off and contracting

 

Yeah something like that. Thanks for the feedback. One more question.... I've also noticed oil spots on the ground as if there is a leak. No noticeable leaks near the oil drain plug or filter. Any ideas where I should start looking?

 

Valvecover leak which is common and pretty easy to fix; especially the front valve cover.

Start by giving the area a thorough cleaning and inspect it regularly to verify, but I'm almost certain it is a valve cover leak.

Just remember, if/when you go to replace the valve cover gaskets also replace the spark plug tube gaskets as they are a separate piece from the valve cover on the 5th gen.

 

Change your front valve cover gasket and clean up the oil buildup. Then see if the problem is gone.