Hi guys,
i just bought a 01 bonneville se with 208,000mi some minor issues i knew about. power steering has a severe leak it needs struts. but for 700 bucks i didnt want to walk from it. i noticed there is smoke coming from under or around the front exhaust manifold, it is very oily and greasy under the valve cover could this be a sign that i need to replace the valve cover gasket? there is no smoke out the back or loss of antifreeze but on occasion my temp gauge reads just above 200, id say around 210-215,is this ok? it dont seem to be going through oil at all. what do you guys think? thanks in advance.

I just finished replacing head gaskets on a 2003 se with 147,000 miles . Before I started I noticed oil leaking from the front valve cover on to the ex manifold also .I would definitely purchase a new set and change both sides ! OIL on ex manifolds CAN cause a FIRE !!!Here are some part #s.....Fel-pro valve cover set #VS50080R...You will need the rubber grommets also for the 12 hold down bolts ...( 6 ) for each valve cover...Fel-pro part#ES72833.If you find that you need your Head gaskets replaced ...Fel-pro Head gasket set #HS 9917 PT 3... This set has every gasket you will need for reassembly ! Hope this helps out...Got to go...Later

Sounds like a leaky front valve cover gasket. My car at idle reads 215 until I accelerate then it goes down to 195.

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1997 Bonneville SLE...(SilverStreak)...Totaled...1/25/13...Gone but not forgotten.
1968 Chevrolet Bel Air....the project