Oil on the manifolds? (how much, cars, money)

[Chris.A]

I drive a 2008 Chrysler 300 and lately, I've noticed that smoke is coming from under the hood and I'm smelling and oily smell while I'm driving. When I park, I open the hood to let the engine cool off and the smoke comes out and into the air outside of it. Now, I took it to the mechanic and they told me that I can drive it and it will eventually burn off. I've also spoken to my uncle who knows a thing or two about cars and he told me not to worry. That the oil will eventually burnoff (since it is old oil on the manifold supposedly). I have no money to do another repair right now, what should I do? I'm worried that I could have an engine blowout or worse, a fire.

[kevinm]

Sounds like a leaky valve cover gasket.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Chris.A

, what should I do?

There is an Automotive sub-forum. Perhaps it would be helpful to post there?

[frostopsy]

If the mechanic and your car knowledgeable uncle says it's fine, I'd say you are ok. Now if you losing a lot of oil, you might want to get that repaired. Running low on oil can lead to engine failure.

Replacing valve cover gaskets is relatively easy (depending how much stuff you have in the way). You might want to see if the repair is something you can handle yourself. I would assume you wouldn't need any speciality tools to, probably just a 3/8 ratchet, a 1/4 ratchet, extensions, and I would guess a 10mm 8mm and 7mm sockets.

Good luck!