I have a rebuilt 22re in my 1992 pickup. During start up there is blue smoke coming out of the exhaust. This also occurs when you step on the gas. The engine had a full rebuild about 60k ago. It is also leaking oil around the rear seal. I just had the seal replaced about 5k ago. Don't think it could be coming from there, I have no clue how to isolate where the leak is coming from, but it is around the area where the engine meets the transmission. Don't know if this is relevant but when started up the rockers are very noisy and it miss fires until its completely warm. Not sure if it needs a top end rebuild or not.

 

take it to the engine degreaser bay at the car wash, spray the valve cover and block off completely... it'll be messy, you'll get wet.

these motors tend to leak at the back of the valve cover, so i'd clean that area well, and start looking there... it could be dripping down.

bad valve seals can cause oil smoke at startup, but you should probably do a compression check first.

 

Could need some new valve seals. I would replace the valve seals and set your valve lash. Or just buy a rebuilt head from one of the reputable 22R parts places (engnbldr, etc)

 

valve seals. burn oil collected in chamber over time, smoking on startup for a lil bit
valve guides. burn oil while running all the time.

anything burning on the motor would present itself right away. smoke...smell in cab.

I have an extra set of valve seals from a kit...if it ends up being that....shipping and they are yours for free.