My 2008 Escape has begun to hesitate while accelerating (and almost feels like engine braking when I am coasting). After driving, there is also a strong burning smell and smoke coming from the engine compartment. I have noted some oil leaking out of the oil pan, which I believe only leaks after driving for a while, but do not understand why there is intermittent loss of power/hesitation while driving.

I noticed coolant reservoir was very low, but it remained filled after I topped it off, and there have been no issues with overheating and no sign of coolant leaks in any part of the system. There also does not appear to be any sign of coolant and oil mixing.

I replaced the intake manifold upper and lower gaskets yesterday, and the car drove great for about an hour (no hesitation, no burning smell when I stopped, etc.). until I went through a drive through. At that point the loss of power during acceleration returned more consistently than before, and the burning smell came back, too.

Hoping somebody might have some ideas. Thank you!

 

When I first read your post I thought "head gasket". Could be a minor leak getting into 1 cylinder, getting flashed to steam and cooling down the cylinder.

 

Possibly a plugged catalytic converter?