how to pinpoint oil leak problem?
 

ok so i posted about this before but cannot find out how to tell if it is a valve cover leak or vent system clogged up.how would i check the vent system and valve cover gasket?(remember im a VERY beginner with cars)there is the usual smoke coming from dipstick small oil drips after driving and oil on top of engine.Thanks in advance guys

I had exactly the same problem and after doing the PCV service the problem disappeared completely.

The best thing to do is clean it all up really good.
take it for a ride like maybe 1 mile and recheck. If still dry drive 2 more miles then check again. Sometimes they are hard to find. I doubt the Cam cover is leaking.

will do..thanks guys

Most likely the PCV system needs cleaning, but some other culprits are the gasket on the oil filler cap and the wo tiny o-rings on the dipstick. IF these are bad they can cause small to medium sized oil leaks.