jdimarcni

My 2007 OUtback wagon 2.5 l smokes as soon as the engine gets warm. I have located the source: motor oil is between the Right exhaust manifold and its surrounding heat shield. I have watched from below: once the manifold is hot, fumes of vaporized oil rise from between the manifold pipe and the heat shield around it. Awful smell & smoke. It's less of a problem after driving for a distance. I dont know what is leaking oil so that it can trickle down around the manifold pipe. New valve covers. No signs of bad head gasket, although I worry this could be the source. oil pan is a little moist towards rear, but I dont think that could spray oil over to the manifold. Any ideas? Would hate to replace head gaskets only to find another source. Jim