Where's Waldo(a.k.a. oil leak)

[DragonR]

I have wandered through some threads, but am still not sure what to look for...

I have a pretty bad oil leak and cant for the life of me figure out where it is coming from.

I just replaced my entire valve cover, and valve cover gasket.

The leak seems to be most concentrated just next to the belts along the side of the engine, and also near the oil filter. In fact the pan, and that plastic "wall" are completely soaked.

The drain plug was checked and it is fine and it doesnt seem to be the oil pan gsk either.

I also have a "streak" of oil along my hood liner, that i assume is sprayed from oil hitting the belts and spraying up.

Im gonna have my mechanic take a look at the return line to the pan from the turbo, but is there any other common places where i should have him look at also?

The leak seems to be worse when i just finish a long highway drive at high speed, than a short city drive.

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

 

[missouri_dsm]

is your dipstick popping out and spraying oil? maybe cam seals? oil cap gasket? clean all the oil, start your car, watch under the hood.

 

[crankbender]

Clean the entire area with brake cleaner or something. Then crawl under the belt side of the car and have a friend rev the engine. It is common that the front seals will leak when the engine is revved.

 

[1gnasty]

yeah if leaks on the belts side it cold be the cam seals,bs seals,or the front main

 

[Scrubulum]

Use Castrol Super Clean (purple stuff in a plastic jug) full concentration sprayed directly on the oil. Let set for about 5 minutes. Then wash off with a hose. I have cleaned many engine bays with this, much less caustic than brake cleaner (just keep the water out of the electrical). That should help you see the leak easier. You can also find an ultraviolet dye to add to the oil and find the leak that way. My best guess would be the cam or crank seals though.
Good luck.