[2005][3.0i] Oil leak + white smoke

[xyna]

Hello,

I recently noticed white smoke coming from the passenger side of the engine, with a smell of burnt oil. After some research online, I changed the valve cover gasket, assuming an oil leak dripping onto the exhaust. Turns out it's still smoking few days later and I'm running out of idea.

Here's a picture of where the smoke is coming from:


Any suggestions?

Thanks,

 

[Chris_D]

Give it a few days. Probably residual oil still burning off.
I had the same and it took about a week to go completely.

 

[colb]

A smoke test will show up any air leaks that could also let oil and fumes migrate to the outside, had a members 2.2 with air leaks on throttle body side and when that was fixed a further smoke test showed up leaks from the cam cover around number 4 plug well just about where you have ringed in the photo, had already changed the gaskets and on further investigation discovered cracks in the plastic around no4 plug well. The plastic had gone hard and was developing the cracks. Sourced a used good cam cover and fitted that to resolve the leaks. Fuel trims were being affected by the leaks and viewing them in live data on the computer showed the unmetered air entering was causing the DME to add 20% more fuel, hence many visits to the garage for fuel. Once all the leaks were buttoned up the car was transformed and mpg was restored. The plastic where the cracks were had gone very hard and on poking about it was very crumbly, down to age and heat cycles so give yours a good clean and exam the underside where all the strength webbing is moulded into the cover for any signs of cracks.

 

[Deleted member 32480]

I am currently experiencing the same issues- haven't changed valve cover yet as it's a weekend car and I do very little miles.

I hope you get it sorted. It would be good to know if it fixes itself or you have to change further parts.

It's interesting to know that your whisp of smoke was exactly in the same place as mine.