Need Help with finding Oil Leak

[LittleFoot]

So I have all sorts of shenanigans going on with my '93 Ford Ranger 4.0 Auto 4x4. I was getting smoke under the hood, passenger side. I think it's oil leaking on to the exhaust manifold between cylinders 1&3. I also appear to have a leak by Cylinder 6. Photos are from a very cold engine. Possibly culprits and solutions?

TIY

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Valve cover gaskets.

Common issue

 

[rhekman]

So I have all sorts of shenanigans going on with my '93 Ford Ranger 4.0 Auto 4x4. I was getting smoke under the hood, passenger side. I think it's oil leaking on to the exhaust manifold between cylinders 1&3. I also appear to have a leak by Cylinder 6. Photos are from a very cold engine. Possibly culprits and solutions?

TIY

As Rusty noted above, it's likely valve cover gasket. Though it can also be the valve covers themselves. My '95 had rust pits that leaked around the bolt holes on the driver side, as well as leaks under the plug wire guides.

I'd recommend removing the covers, propping them up level, upside down on some blocks and fill with water or solvent. Look for pinhole leaks. Wire brush and sand vigorously and seal with JB-Weld. You might find replacement covers online, but they're getting rare.

When re-installing, hammer and dolly the bolt holes to make sure they're flat and not deformed. A drilled out 3/4" fender washer can be added if the metal is thin around any holes.

I recommend the over-molded silicone gaskets like the Victor Reinz #151057601. Add a dab of Permatex Right-Stuff in the corners and around the bolt holes. Don't over torque the fasteners.

It's worth it to fix the leaks, not only for the oil loss and smoking issues, but I also managed to kill a couple spark plugs and and the wire boots from oil dripping on them.

 

[Josh B]

I got the cheapo HF inch-lb torque wrench to use on it now, but usually the first thing we do is over torque and leave them bent :/