Volkswagen: 1974 VW Super Beetle smoking once warm, valve clearance, bardahl

Question
My 1974 VW Super Beetle begins to produce A LOT of smoke (more bluish than grayish) after it has run for a few minutes.  It pours a virtual smokescreen when making left turns, then quiets down a bit, but still smokes a lot.  Does the Left Turn factor indicate anything specific?  What's the fix - something simple like changing the oil a couple times with some Bardahl, or do I need to replace valves?

Answer
Chris,

It actually sounds like your valve cover gaskets (more so on the left) are leaking on to the exhaust.  Actually, the heat exchangers.

Typically, when those gaskets go, the oil drips out on to the hot exchangers and creates smoke.

I would check and replace these.  Also, because you will have the covers off, do yourself a big favor and adjust the valve clearance.

NOTE: Only do valve clearance adjustment on a completely cool engine, or it will throw off the accuracy.

Take Care,

Ron