Theres is all you need on the board already. Use the search. A haynes or chiltons book is always good and I'd look at u-tube guys post up videos on just about everything. I think it could be done in a day by a really fast guy. It would take me probably 2 days at least. I wouldnt bother machining the heads unless you have cash sitting around then I'd go for the full on rebuild of the heads just to make them better and all not because they really need it..

 

Guess I better get started...

 

Honestly, your may be better off playing the lotto IMO. The cam covers usually never leak. Unless they have been off before and were not torqued back down correctly.

It's possible, but I really doubt it.

 

BTW - heads can look like that from a simple oil spill to a intake gasket leak. Coolant leaks can look like oil leaks once they pic up engine grime. Specially since that block cavity can trap liquid, - both coolant and dirt. It will stand and eventually purge down the right side and above the starter.

 

With all all that said lol. Yours DOES look like oil and a head gasket leak. I just figured I'd mention a few other scenarios that have happened in the past.

 

If its not to the point where its leaving oil on the ground I'd atleast wait until its like that. That looks like a pretty slow leak. When my truck had that it was way worse..

 

Your PVC valve could be bad causing oil to leak out of the rubbber grommet that it is seated in so check that. I had that problem.

 

161K update...

Since the start of the thread, I've washed the engine, and switched to 5W30. No smoke, and the engine is still clean.

 

I have a 1997 F150. I have an oil leak only on the passenger side oil has been thrown up under the hood and all over the battery and passenger wheel well. there is oil under by th drain plug but the rest of the motor is dry. I cant seem to find out where its coming from
Any ideas?