I'm sure this was mentioned in some of the information you were linked to. But I would personally flush out the Dex-Cool coolant while you are in there as well, and refill it with the regular green stuff. Dex-Cool is known to cause gasket problems, and could have a lot to do with the reason your gaskets are failing to begin with.

All this coming from a guy who's still running Dex...but hey my engine doesnt have gasket issues.

I have some pics, but how do I get them on here. :?

They have to be be hosted on another site. Many use Photobucket. http://photobucket.com/ Upload your pictures. When done, look for the one you want to post, and below it will be 2 lines...one of them having IMG code next to it. Click on that line to highlight it, right click, select copy. Return to your post reply on BC, right click, select paste.

Ok, here is what I see from the front. I have noticed for some time now, a slight leak, or at least it is always 'wet' with what looks like just a tiny bit of oil. Does this look familiar to anyone???

https://i166.photobucket.com/albums/...9/P2100125.jpg
https://i166.photobucket.com/albums/...9/P2100124.jpg
https://i166.photobucket.com/albums/...9/P2100123.jpg
https://i166.photobucket.com/albums/...9/P2100122.jpg

It's hard to say for certain, but it does look more like oil that could be leaking from your valve covers. Most times, when the LIM gasket goes, it will start to wick coolant up the bolts for the LIM and would show up around those bolts, and the valleys by the injectors. It is also quite possible for the coolant to be leaking to the inside, and being burned in the cylinders, or going into the oil. With your mileage, you may as well be on the safe side and plan on replacing all of those gaskets. If you're going to tackle the job, it would be wise to either get your hands on a factory service manual, or get a subscription to alldatadiy.com

To answer your earlier question - this can all be done with the engine in the car.

From the photos, front valve cover gasket. Gently pry off that black plug trim strp. It pulls up and can be tough so don't break it. Now you'll see where the oil is coming from.

So I just got back in from the garage and made sure my wife could take the car tomorrow. I checked the oil, quart low (yeah I know, that should never happen) coolant...very low. I filled everything and let it run for a while and poof, literally, a small cloud of smoke came from right by those bolts with the 'oil on them', it seemed to have dripped right on the exhaust. I freaked out, but it didnt do it again. There is some fluid by the rear injectors. Would someone please tell me that I need to get this thing repaired ASAP :!: Is this safe to drive?? I really don't have the time to lose this car for a while but the more I think, I REALLY can't afford to lose this car literally. HELP!!

If you have puddling around the injectors, that is usually caused by coolant wicking its way up the LIM bolts due to the start of a gasket failure. Being low on coolant is another bad sign. My opinion is, yes. You need to get it repaired, and the sooner the better.

Actually...please..don't pry. reaching down on the front of it, you will find two tabs that stick down lower than the rest. Those two tabs hold it on along with two slider on the valve cover. Gently releasing the tabs, and pulling straight upward with it's angle.. it will slide off easily.

are these gaskets worth a hoot??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-IN...80690117QQrdZ1