Where's the leak? Pictures

[JohnGunn]

Leaking cars are not allowed in the assigned parking spaces of my apartment complex. My '90 L with 180,700 miles leaks, (see pictures). I must do something. But first I need to know what's leaking.

Picture links:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MuT6Qwk5bIxBCXgIU-SVJQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKjyjKCe8auTlQE&feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GAoT9de3EyEXSPDadqwM-w?authkey=Gv1sRgCKjyjKCe8auTlQE&feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sYFf8pRjGXjQhqcz2UmgrA?authkey=Gv1sRgCKjyjKCe8auTlQE&feat=directlink

After that's established I'd like advice on "all" the possible ways such a leak can be stopped, including, since the only place I have to work is along the street, quick and dirty solutions like oils designed for high mileage vehicles, oil additives, and going to higher viscosity oils.

I'm afraid this car has gotten to the point where it needs more invasive care than my working conditions allow, but I'd like to keep it going while I look for a replacement Festiva.

All helpful comments appreciated.

John Gunn
Coronado, CA

[Fordverde]

My guess: change the oil pan gasket, if that doesnt stop the leaking, then it should be the rear main seal.

[TominMO]

Very common is for the valve cover to leak. How's yours? Since it's at almost the highest point of the motor, it will cover everything below it.

It also wouldn't hurt to add some seal conditioner to your oil, in case the motor has some dried seals in it. Might help, can't hurt. That and higher viscosity oil, which will slow down the leak but not stop it. Try 10W40 for example, if you're using 5W30. High-mileage-vehicle oil wouldn't hurt either, but not sure it's all that useful.

[WmWatt]

Wipe with a rag. Tie rags around leaks to soak up oil and prevent dripping. Avoid hot engine parts. Colour shows it's oil.

[sanjeet]

Do you have a mechanical fuel pump? could be the pump diaphram on the mechanical cam causing a leak

[wybnrml]

^ No I don't think so, here in the States 90+ Festivas were fuel injected so no mechanical fuel pump.

[ericsmith32]

Never said how your valve cover gasket was but I'd start from the easiest to the hardest! Most of my leak was from the valve cover gasket. Next it was a leaking heater hose and now it seems the windshield wiper fluid bottle is leaking. I still need to replace the oil pan gasket but I'm going to check the front crankshaft seal first. To me on yours it looks like the rear seal... the oil pan would run done to the middle of the pan not on the tranny. Funny mine still leaks a bit but hasn't lost a bit of oil, coolant or trans fluid in two week.. I guess it just like marking it's territory!

[MONSOON]

Yeah Id lean more towards VC gasket as well. like Tom said its at the highest point and is not unusual for it to develop leak.