Smoke...

[Scruff]

...from the engine bay when i parked up at work this morning. Can see the smoke but can't see a leak. Seems to be dripping onto a heat shield on the left hand side of the engine near the front of the car (looking from the front of the car). I know its a bit vague but any ideas anyone?
My car now comes with a lovely hot oily smell

[Scott.T]

Leaking rocker covers gasket can cause it to drip onto heatshields is the most obvious if it is to one side of the engine.

[Scruff]

Well see i'm not so sure, the rocker gasket has always been a little bit weepy but its not dripping down the side of the block so unless its going down the back then coming back to the front it has to be from somewhere else. *wishfully thinking and fingers crossed* i hope its not head gasket!! Theres no gunge in the oil filler at least. Is there anywhere else it could leak from?

my old MY93 done a similar thing, turned out to be exactly as Scott has said above.

Very common problem, couldnt see my leak for looking either, had gasket replaced problem cured.

From location and symptoms it does point first to rocker gasket.

[majorscooby]

How about giving the engine a good old clean with gunk or similar product so it's all shiny then watch for the leak after a run to see where it may originate from?!

[Scruff]

I think i've sourced it to the crank shaft seal. Theres no drips down the back or the sides but there is some oil hanging off the bottom of the crank wheel cover and its all in the tray so i'll have that off and see what i can see. Thanks guys... good plan on getting some gunk and giving it a clean though

[Scott.T]

crank oil seal is another common one but this is in the centre.
I thought the leak was to one side.

[Scruff]

Er.... oh.... looking at the front of the engine its coming from behind the plasticy cover on the left hand side