how can I tell if my oil leak is from valve or head gasket...??

2001 SUBARU OUTBACK
190,000 MILES
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AZROTH
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My oil leak is very slight & looks to be only oil.
Which makes me beleive its more likely a valve cover leak.
If it was a head gasket..wouldnt I see more clues like overheating or rough start or running...engine starts and runs like new other than a low idol when cold.
Nov 17, 2011 at 6:00 PM
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FIXITMR
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if you clean off area of suspicion and then run engine you should be able to determine which it is.
Nov 17, 2011 at 7:09 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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Head gaskets rarely leak externally. the valve cover is more likely but you need to visually follow the leak to it's source.
Nov 17, 2011 at 10:46 PM
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RASMATAZ
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How do you know its leaking oil and if it does where is your suspected area, give me a picture where so we can help you out
Nov 17, 2011 at 11:16 PM
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