Cam cover, head gasket leak?

[jdcross]

On my lady's 250 we have an oil leak that is and pooling around the front left head bolt.
From there it runs along the cooling fins to the exhaust pipes and causes smoking.

There is no clear evidence that there is an oil leak from the cam cover although it seems to be the obvious place.

Is it possible that oil is being pumped up around the front left head bolt shaft and being forced out the top of the head bolt
due to a faulty head gasket?

We've removed the cam cover and pending advice from the Forum we would next re-seal the cam cover
to see if that stops the leak

However if there is a chance of head gasket issues we're better off to remove the head before re-applying cam cover sealant

Any advice is appreciated

Jim