anyone have any idea what it could be? i replace the valve cover gaskets, let it run for a while, but it was smoking from under the hood, and it doesn't overheat. is it just burning the oil left over from the valve cover gasket replacements/ how long does it last if it is?

 

shoudnt take more than a couple miles of normal driving. clean the motor and it will be much easier to find the leaks. if nothing else follow the oil trail. is it getting on the exhaust manifold or the exhaust pipe. could it be the rear of the intake gasket?

 

yeah, i just let it run normally for 10 minutes or so and it was smoking, not legal by any means to drive on the street due to tabs/lights ect.

 

you may have also overtightened the valve covers or the covers themselves are made out of a flimsy material. also it would take longer than ten minutes sitting for the old oil and grime from the change to burn off.

 

i got the 50 dollar valve covers with the little washers in them that wont lt you over tighten.

 

have you checked all your hoses? mine did that last year. had a pin sized hole in the top radiator hose.

 

like said above, clean the engine (engine cleaner from auto parts store) and let it run for a while to burn off excess... then see what you got.

 

good valve covers run in the 80 dollar and up range or so I have been told. I have this kit here and it is garbage

http://www.jegs.com/i/Proform/778/141-360/10002/-1

I dont know about the washers you were talking about though so they may be excellent. did you get them somewhere online? If so I would like a link because I am looking to replace mine.

 

Freakin wierd. I'm sorry

 

I dont generally advocate using sealing compounds or RTV. However, on valve covers I slather that stuff on like a peanut butter sandwich. Even the best, thickest valve cover gaskets never seem to seal right. Pull em, clean em, load em with grey silicone and put em back on. Get then hand tight plus 3/4 more turn.

(of course this assuming you are burning oil......coolant is an entirely different smell)