Nissan Repair: Nissan Maxima burning smell, oil pressure switch, valve cover gasket

Question
I have a Nissan Maxima 2002. It was fine until it reached 50700 miles. When I drive on highway (more than 55 miles/hour), it has a smell of burning rubber. The smell is gone if I lower the speed or if I drive locally. I had engine oil changed recently and there is no problem in the fluid according to the garage. So what the problem could be? Thanks!

Answer
Hi June -

I would look for an oil leak. Typically it would leak from the valve cover gasket, or oil pressure switch. Follow the exhaust pipe from the front of the engine, especially note where it meets the engine, that is where the valve cover would leak oil. If you see black marks on the exhaust, that means that oil is dripping on the exhaust and burning it off. If the black marks are more towards the rear, then possibly it is the oil pressure switch.

There is also a chance that during the oil change, some oil was spilled on the exhaust, this being the case, it should disappear soon.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin