MG Car Repair: SMOKING REPLACEMENT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, rocker cover gasket, mgb gt

Question
Hi, I have a 1981 MGB GT (UK) with standard 1800cc engine. I recently replaced the exhaust manifold with a reconditioned one, with all new gaskets etc. Starts and runs fine but there is quite a lot of smoke (not steam) coming from around that area, could this be something I've done wrong or just some kind of coating burning off? I've not used any gasket sealants. Any advice would be appreciated, many thanks Iain.

Answer
Hi Iain.  It is normal for some smoke to burn off the first time you start an engine after fitting new parts such as a manifold or an exhaust system.  If you let the car warm up, it should stop smoking after a minute or so.  If it continues to smoke, then you probably have a small oil leak from the rocker cover which is dripping onto the hot exhaust manifold.  In this case, you should replace the rocker cover gasket.