So I changed my belt on Saturday (the one in the pics is the old one ) and while doing so I noticed what looks to be evidence of a leak. I couldn't see it by looking in the engine bay, but it became visible with the passenger wheel well removed to gain access to the lower pulley's.

Has anyone else run across this leak who can share what the source is?

2005 MCS, manual.

Thanks!

 

oil pan gasket.. also check the crank sensor.. and if you check the valve cover gasket you will have a complete set of 'will leak eventually' areas

phil.

 

I would start with the crank sensor. Very cheap and relatively easy to replace. The crank sensor is behind the fan so when the fan starts going, any oil will get pushed towards the back of the side of the engine.

 

Since the leak appears to be coming from higher on the block than the oil pan gasket, I would suspect the crankshaft position sensor o-ring.

 

Yup. Mine looked like that when I replaced the o-ring two weeks ago. It looks deceivingly like its seeping from the oil pan but it's just the oil running down the crevice from the crank position sensor. Changed it and no more leaks at all. It's somewhat blasphemous at this point owning a British heritage car with no leaks.