Oil leat by Exhaust Manifold???

[remark90]

Hello everyone, been looking and using the search function to see if I can figure this out but cannot seem to find the exact same problem, so here goes.

I am working on my GF's 2005 Aveo, with 95,00mi on it. We changed the timing belt, water pump, spark plugs and valve cover gasket because it was leaking bad! Now my problem; I have oil that appears to be seeping up from the top of the exhaust manifold and not running down from the valve cover, what am I missing, could the exhaust manifold gasket be bad and there is an oil passage that a bolt is supposed to seal ?
Car runs great, just need to get this darn leak fixed for her.

P.S.
Anyone disconnect the transmission line coming from the radiator to flush the old fluid out, if so which one, top or bottom hose?

Thanks for any suggestions, Kent.

[charlieb]

top.but to test it to be sure you un hook line put into pail start car comes out at high rate.if u have wrong line just turn car off use other.youtube has a couple good vids for doing this.if you run your trans dry you will damage it.shops hook it upto a machine so they are putting fluid in at same rate less risk but costs 110.00 labour and 50-90 for fluid,here in my area southern ontario

[remark90]

charlieb, thanks, Ill try the top hose first.
An up date to my oil leak, it appeares to be mostly coming from between the 2nd & 3rd exhaust ports where the manifold meete the head. Any ideas?

[petrified.rabbit]

that sounds like a valve cover gasket.

[remark90]

I am thinking it's oil that is traped between the exhaust manifold and head now. After taking car on a 1hr drive the oil is getting less and less. I'm going to give it about a week and see what it looks like next weekend.

petrified.rabbit, I just replaced the valve cover gasket and the head is staying dry.........so far .

Thanks for all the ideas guys, have a great & safe New Years, Kent.

[petrified.rabbit]

most likely spilled there then, if it does not grow, and you maintain fluid level, i think your right.