2000 4R ENGINE SMOKING

It does this even in Non Smoking areas !

I bought this 2000 4R as a replacement-companion for my 95 (heater core leaks and won't start now).

It was a good purchase, but it smokes from the D side engine area, what appears to be a leaking valve cover gasket. It doesn't smell real bad, especially if I use the Jennifer Anniston scented oil, so I still drive it.

Is this common ?
I was told sometimes the valve covers crack too, so they ought to be replaced at the same time. Is this a sales job or true ?
Do I need to diagnose this or tell the shop to replace both gaskets ?
How many hours would this take someone who has done it before ?

Is there anyone near Cookeville TN that wants to do it ? I will pay regular rates.

I'm not sure I want to do it, as I'm so unfocused I might get it all apart and realize I didn't want to do it in the 1st place.

 

Here is a tutorial to give you an idea of what is involved.

https://youtu.be/N5fAXAuGozI?si=FiaLPhh3IK_zH8IR

I've not heard of valve covers cracking but will let others chime in on that.
You should do both gaskets.

 

Very common. Mine stinks, and I don't care for Jennifer Aniston much so I just abide and endure. But I am fixing mine next spring, so they will stink no more.