[JLBinHSV]

It's a slow, but consistent drip, Leak is steady enough to create a small puddle if I leave the Xterra running for 10 minutes. I see 'dampness' around the driver's side valve cover, but haven't found an obvious leak yet. It has been too freaking cold to do a thorough inspection. Any thoughts? It has been driven multiple times everyday throughout this cold spell. No power loss. Smooth idle w/ no missing.

 

[cbxterra]

Sounds like the valve cover gasket. Try tightening the cover bolts as a temporary solution. If fixes it, replace the gasket, its done. Easiest way to eliminate oil leaks is start as high as you see oil on the outside, here your valve gasket, and work down the engine. I've replaced my passenger-easy. Luckily driver is good. It's more digging to replace- the intake is in the way.