Ford Repair: Mustang engine oil leak, engine oil leak, ford mustang gt

Question
Eric:
I sent this to another individual that specialized in Ford products but he indicated this was not his area of expertise.  Would you be able to help?  Thank you, Dave

A short while ago I suspected our 2001 Ford Mustang GT with the 4.6 litre V8 engine might have a slight oil leak as at times, I would have the odor of hot burning oil seep into the car. I recently took it to our local Ford dealer to have it checked out. The work order stated the following: "Verified customer concern, performed oil leak diag. determine leak to be at back right head leaking onto exhaust manifold". I discussed this with the Service Advisor and it was indicated this could be a lengthly expensive repair. That is pull all the hardware, remove the head, check the head for cracks or warping and repair or replace anything as needed.  Then reassemble. I then started thinking how does oil leak out of the head, or the gasket. My basic knowledge of engines tells me the head is bolted to the block with a gasket in between. When everything is okay, this insures normal sealing for combustion and coolant retention. How does oil leak if you have a gasket problem or a head problem, which is what they have indicated? I would think it would be the valve train cover gasket and not the head or the head gasket. Does this make sense? Any light you can shed will be much appreciated before I approve expensive work that may or may not be needed. Note, the engine has not been touched for any repairs as the vehicle only has 32,000 miles on it.  

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
 Yes, your theory does and doesn't work. Typically the valve cover is what is leaking, causing oil to get on the exhaust manifold. But, there have been times when the head gasket or head it self is the problem. Oil is forced up to the over head cam design through the cylinder head for lubrication of the cam shafts. It is constant pressure, being that it is forced by the oil pump. It isn't typical, but it does happen. So I would say that the tech at Ford is most likely right.
Hope this helps,
Erik