light smoke, smells like oil

[A4now]

I've got oil seepage creating light smoke. It's not constant and is most noticable after the car has sat for 8-12 hours, for example overnight or a little longer. It seems to burn off and doesn't smoke again until after sitting again. So because of that and because I don't get oil drips on the pavement, I don't think it's that severe but not sure and is irritating. This isn't a new issue.

There are several areas that look suspect, kind of gunky or residue, on the drivers side of the engine, where the smoke comes from. But before taking anything apart I thought I would seek guidance on how to determine what type of leak issue it might be...what seals are leaking?

I usually need to add a quart in between changes.

The tensioner seals were replaced during the timing belt change at 73k, 47k miles ago. I'm at 120k now.

I've seen DIY's on gasket and seal changes and some look to complex and some look potentialy do-able. Wanting to see what i can find out here.

[Side-Step]

Where is the smoke coming from? Exhaust or engine compartment?

If oil or oilly gunk on the intake seal or exhaust, then it could be seeping through the gasket and getting burned.

[Beemer832]

if the smoke is coming from the muffler or exhaust then it most likely is valve guide seals. they leak a little after they sit, engine starts, oil burns, and then its fine.

you could be like me and have a built in bug repellent. ive burned 2 qts in about 400 miles :)

-josh