Where is my Leak?

[Schildir]

As of right now, it looks like it is NOT the valve cover, oil pan, or main seal.

When it drips, the drip comes off some random bracket, which is (hopefully) visible in the pictures below.





You can see it in the center of the first picture (but it's blurry), and near the top left of the second.

[freshtiva]

Cam seal ? It gets on the timing belt and flings everywhere.

[Schildir]

I would have to take the plastic cover off the engine to see it, right? If so, I'll be doing that tomorrow between classes... I need to diagnose this and get rid of it... I've gone through 2 gallons of oil since September...

Thanks!

[TominMO]

If it isn't obvious where it's coming from, wash the motor with Simple Green or Foamy Engine Brite, then check for leaks after the next drive. Should be easier to spot the source that way.

[mechanicaldj]

good possibility the oil pump-to-block gasket is leaking

i would clean it all off then watch for leaks

[hofficergrover]

haha i remember when my b3 was a oil spout haha every 30 mins i was adding 4 quarts of oil haha

[Schildir]

I did clean the engine off (well at least as well as I could), that's how I knew that it wasn't the valve cover or the oil pan. Tomorrow I'll take that plastic cover off, clean what's left off the engine, and then take more pictures. My dad is going to look at it too.

Thanks for all the suggestions and help so far.

[Schildir]

I am almost 100% sure it is not the cam seal. I removed 3 of the bolts from the cover, looked down inside, and it was dry.

I think the oil pump to block basket could be it, that would make it leak more when running than just sitting, right? Either way I'll see what I can do when I get home.

[eurotiva]

Oil pan gasket....

[Schildir]

Oil pan gasket....

See, that's what we thought it was, but last time I looked at the pan (over 20 hours since I cleaned it) there was no actual drip, and not a lot of oil on the pan, just looked like some had dripped down from above it. It seems like the leak would have to be worse than that for me to use 1 quart in 100 miles.

I guess until the leak is gone though, anything is a possibility.

EDIT: I just checked the pan again, and there finally is a drip.

[eurotiva]

It's a 20 + year old car.....all the gasket could use replacing....

[TominMO]

See, that's what we thought it was, but last time I looked at the pan (over 20 hours since I cleaned it) there was no actual drip, and not a lot of oil on the pan, just looked like some had dripped down from above it. It seems like the leak would have to be worse than that for me to use 1 quart in 100 miles.

I guess until the leak is gone though, anything is a possibility.

EDIT: I just checked the pan again, and there finally is a drip.

With airflow whipping that drip around, it might well go above the oilpan, so that's why it looks like it is coming from above.

[Schildir]

With airflow whipping that drip around, it might well go above the oilpan, so that's why it looks like it is coming from above.

I feel very dumb for not thinking of this. Then again, my dad didn't think of it either, so maybe I shouldn't. I'll look at it very carefully tomorrow and see what I see.

And Eurotiva, you've got a point there.

[eurotiva]

If you pull it apart enough to replace any gasket go ahead and replace all that you can.....you'll be thankful later...

[brickdog2000]

Did you fix the leak? i am wondering cause I have the same problem. I think it is my oil pan, but I have replaced it 3 times and said screw it. Now it is really starting to bother me cause its makes my driveway look like poop to say the least. With mine though it sprays it all down the undercarriage of the car too. Any advice you have will be greatly be appreciated.