Ok so what happened is I had major headache with drivers side cam cover gasket. It was off and on about 5 times so lots of oil got spilt down exhaust etc. Now I have eliminated the leaky gasket I am still getting lots of smoke from front of engine around the power steering reservoir but for the life of me I cannot see where from. It also gets so bad after I've given the engine a good thrash that when I pop the smoke actually comes into the cabin and out of the front of the bonnet. It also seems to smell of burnt plastic or rubber. It didn't do this prior to gasket change. Could there be a power steering leak? Is there still loads of oil sitting on undertray or actually in exhaust heat shield?I've cleaned where I can see from above but still hasn't helped. I'm going to check again today but little difficult with no axle stands etc.

 

Have you checked your pas fluid?

 

alright robsy, im gonna go check that now, ill report back.my car also makes a slight groaning sound not sure where from and it sounds like when my old bmw had a pas leak and it was loosing fluid.so made the power steering pump groan. but strange how only smokes badly after giving the engine a thrash. that wouldnt affect pas pump or resevoir would it.

 

Ok its not pas fluid as that is full. So can only think its oil that is sitting somewhere where I can't see it. Will have to try and remove undertray.

 

ive cracked it! i pulled undertray down and cut the heat material out where it was completly soaked in oil, this material had been nearly in contact with the exhaust heat shield and was completly sodden with oil. cut offending piece out and now no smoke. this had caused me so much grief as i thought there was still a leak.so if anyone has changed there cam cover gasket and is still getting smoke then this could be your problem. hallelujah.lol. dont know if pic will work.
https://plus.google.com/photos/10083...66285190511410