Is this blow-by or something else?

[LSB4Me]

Hey Everyone:

I noticed hiccup and am looking for suggestions/ideas before the car goes in.

Note: I don't drive the car often, so I can't be sure if this just started or if I've just missed it until now. I don't often miss stuff, however.

The Issue: Strange blow-by (thin white smoke) from the driver, or intake, side of the engine.

The Clues:

• Noticeable by smell--it smells of hot metal, not fuel or fire.
• Only visible with a flashlight on and, even then, it can only be seen when looking at the light itself and seeing very thin smoke wisp by.
• Can be seen (again, with a flashlight) and smelled from the wheel wells at start up.
• Seems to either be coming from the intake side or the rear/bottom of the engine bay.
• It is best seen/smelled near the engine side of the crankcase vent hose. Doesn't appear to be that hose fitting though--nor should it be, it was new 2 years and 2k miles ago.
• The engine bay is dry and clean, but I just noticed two wet hoses that are attached to the frame just forward of the driver strut. Odd.

The Background: I smelled something odd at start up the other day. Chased it to the find the above. It seems to be most prominent at start up and appears to go away (not 100% though) as the engine reaches full temperature. I did hit a rather nasty protruding bump the other night--just prior to noticing this--that fully compressed the suspension (light rub marks at the top of the fender liners, wowzers). The wheels weren't bent and everything appears is in tact, but it was a jolt. I won't be taking that road again.

The Upcoming Maintenance: My head gasket is weeping a bit, mainly from the rear on the exhaust side but looks wet where some of the other bolts attach. Doubtful, but perhaps it is this simple?

What say you? Thanks in advance.

[Slideways]

Sounds like a coolant leak. How is your coolant level?

[BL92]

Take the air box off and post some pics