Porsche Repair: 1986 Porsche 944 oil leak, spic and span, engine degreaser

Question
So here is the deal. I have had an oil leak in my engine for a little while but it has started to get worse recently. I can't identify where exactly it is but it drips onto my exhaust manifold and creates a lot of smoke. Any ideas on where this leak can be or how much repair costs are going to be?

Answer
Hi David,

Where is that oil leak?  Sorry, but there are no examples I know of where "'xyz part' always leaks so check it first."  And if you can't find it staring at it....

Oil leaks are a royal pain, but the cure may be worse than the bite.  I've had many writers say they were trying to get that last tiny daily drip because their garage floors were just not perfect enough.  Often, they would spend quite a bit of money having mechanics "repair" the problem, only to find out the mechanic really didn't find it, but there's a new gasket over here or there costing several hundred dollars in labor.

So...I suppose my considered opinion is this:  if it weren't for the smell and smoke, is the leak enough of a concern to get if repaired?  If so, then there's your answer.  If not, then go to your hardware store and buy a small piece of metal sheeting...make a shield to catch and divert the oil drips away from the exhaust.  Drill four tiny holes in the corners and zip-tie the shield in place.  

Or...if you could buy some high powered engine degreaser and take the car to the local carwash and carefully clean the engine so it is spic and span.  By the time you drive it home the leak will have returned and it should be obvious to see on all those freshly clean surfaces.

I hope one of these options works for you.

Dave