I got a 98 2.5L only 111k miles

So a few days ago, had the windows down, kind of smelt burnt oil. Figured it was someone else at the light and forgot about it. This morning during my 18 mile highway commute to work I smelled it again, when I pulled in my spot there was smoke.

Not like something was on fire, more like something was leaking and evaporating. Smelled like burnt oil again. Checked my gaskets and oil lines, didn't see anything. Ran the motor in my spot a little and noticed a drop of liquid building up and dropping off my radiator. Looks exactly like oil.

Drove home from work with no issues, checked it for leaks again at home and the problem spot wasn't dripping (yet at least). Did some lookin under the hood, I seen these metal lines coming off the bottom and top of the radiator but I'm not a big gearhead I don't know where they go or if they maybe have oil in them that is leaking? The side of my radiator is somewhat moist which I think is from liquid flowing down it. My radiator fluid is a little low but just barely.

Someone was telling me that I need to get my valves checked because it could mean I have a valve going bad.

Apologies for the lengthy post I just wanted to make sure I included every little part, figured someone here with a 2.5L had to experienced it before and could tell me if it's my radiator or a blown valve.

 

Either engine oil cooler lines, or transmission oil cooler lines. Fix either one right now as catastrophic damage to the power train item it's cooling will be guaranteed.

Check your oil. If it's low, that's the leak. Get it fixed ASAP. If it's trans fluid, same thing, fix it ASAP.

Also, trans fluid is a red color. Oil (obviously) would be more of a black/dark brown color. If it's leaking trans fluid, it will burn up the transmission if you let the level get too low. (if you have an automatic, that is) If the fluid smells burnt, it's probably trans fluid.

 

Thanks dude I'm going to try to get it looked at on my way home from work tomorrow