I've got this problem where smoke or steam is coming from the valve covers and through my valve cover breather.
I know that a pcv valve could be the culprit, but what else am I looking for. I mean blow-by, blown gaskets, what could be the worst case scenario? 'Preciate it!DUECE

 

PCV bad or clogged vacuum hose, probably nothing bad.

 

How could I check for these problems?
When I put my finger over the pcv valve I still get suction.
So...what else am I to look for?

 

also would an intake leak cause them to smoke also?:shrug:

 

Yes an intake leak can cause that; if the leak is across the bottom of one of the exhaust crossover passages.

Worn valve guides will also cause it (probably the most common cause actually), by letting exhaust gas into the crankcase around the exhaust valves. That's sort of the corollary to the startup puff of oil smoke, from the intake side.