possible lnf leaks on sky

[|V3nom|]

so i thought i heard an exhaust leak one day so i took off the turbo heat shield and inspected everything with it running (cold start with cat heating on) i couldnt hear any leaks. i did however find a few dark smudged areas that look like leaks. also noticed smoke coming from the exhaust manifold when i started it (cold start).

this is the bottom left side of the exhaust manifold. looks like it might be an exhaust leak.
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this is where the smoke was coming from, from behind the manifold heat shield.
IMG_20140719_174048.jpg

bottom right side of exhaust manifold.
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under the timing chain tensioner.
IMG_20140719_174136.jpg

[|V3nom|]

under valve cover in front of motor, by timing chain tensioner.
IMG_20140719_174146.jpg

there seemed to be some dark areas in the intake side as well below the valve cover. im thinking i need a new valve cover gasket and exhaust manifold gasket, as long as the manifold isnt cracked.

anybody else had this happen?

[cobaltssoverbooster]

does the exhaust manifold itself have any dry soot marks on it? or wet sooty marks coming from the flange? exhaust usually have a directional soot stain instead of dirt splotches. im thinking its just valve cover because from these pictures i dont see soot tracks on the manifold itself. if they are there its faint to my eyes

[codename Bil Doe]

That pic under the chain tensioner looks like you been having a cookout with Kingsford charcoal. Either an animal was incinerated or you have a big exhaust leak.

Can anyone explain why GM decided to use ultra rapid rust-generating steel for the chain tensioner?

[|V3nom|]

That pic under the chain tensioner looks like you been having a cookout with Kingsford charcoal. Either an animal was incinerated or you have a big exhaust leak.

Can anyone explain why GM decided to use ultra rapid rust-generating steel for the chain tensioner?

and thats a new tensioner too, about a year old.

[|V3nom|]

does the exhaust manifold itself have any dry soot marks on it? or wet sooty marks coming from the flange? exhaust usually have a directional soot stain instead of dirt splotches. im thinking its just valve cover because from these pictures i dont see soot tracks on the manifold itself. if they are there its faint to my eyes

i think ill get a new gasket and clean up the dirty spots and see if it comes back.

[codename Bil Doe]

It makes the whole engine look so shitty like you drove through the dead sea.

[cobaltssoverbooster]

Nice Bill real nice