Suzuki: smoke under the hood, minor leaks, pan gasket

Question
2004 vitara, 240,000 miles.

after being driven with little oil, started to smell burnt oil and have whitish smoke from under the passenger side of the hood.  Had the oil & filters changed and a stabilizer and the mechanic said i had bad leak in rear main seal & oil pan gasket. they washed it down and had me drive it over the weekend and return. no oil had been lost, no oil leaks showed on the engine. sdvice was to keep the oil topped off. I check it every week but the oil looks clean as when i put it in and hasn't needed any additions over 1 month now. the smell and the smoke continue after a 45 mile ride at 75 - 80 mph. hood insulation is coming apart and it has been suggested that it might be contacting the engine and causing the smoke and smell.  any thoughts would be appreciated.

Answer
It takes quite a while for oil in the engine compartment to stop contributing to making a stink, and as little as a couple of teaspoons oil getting on the engine/exhaust could make quite a stink.  See if the smell is related to this, wash the engine and compartment, and keep an eye out.  Really minor leaks on the back of the cyl head area have been known to be the culprit in the past.