So ever since the dragon and my 3000 mile roadtrip, I have noticed the smell of oil at startup. Only at startup though and then it is gone seconds later. I have popped the hood and smelt it after a startup and it's there. Usually only notice it on a cold start. It is definitely an oil smell (exact same smell as when I open the oil cap).

I haven't been able to see any smoke in the exhaust, which is more why I am wondering what it is. My oil got a lot darker after the trip (not super dark, just used mini oil dark) and maybe 6,000 miles since changed. The oil has not seemed to drop lower.

Should I be concerned? Maybe a head leak and that is why I smell it at the engine and not exhaust?

 

Have you checked around the base of the valve cover, or seen if there are any hoses that are wet with oil? If you're getting an oil leak that's enough to be smelled, I'd think there would be visible oil showing somewhere. It's going to be tough to see it, given how tight the engine compartment is.

I don't think it's a huge concern right now. Just remember to check your oil regularly; so if you do have a leak you find it using the dipstick, rather than the oil light. You know, this would make a great Car Talk question.