Engine Oil Leak

[rcalzadilla]

My 77,000 mile, 2001, PT Cruiser has started leaking engine oil, passenger side. I run mostly short trips of 4-6 miles daily.
It appears that the rate of oil loss is about 1/2 quart per 3 week period.
Cannot determine where leak is located as everyting is so tight around engine.
Anyone with similar problem and solution?
I am presently using full synthetic 10-30 oil and I'm going to change to regular 10-40 oil to see if it leaks less.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[geronimo]

Have you checked the valve cover gasket located below the intake manifold? I had the same type of problem (picture attached.)

If it was your valve cover gasket, you might see that black spot of cooked oil. Parts for new valve cover gaskets ran about $70 for Mopar factory replacements.

Hope this helps, Good luck.

[rcalzadilla]

geronimo:
Thanks very much for reply and picture.
Will check valve cover today.

[rcalzadilla]

Leak not from valve cover nor oil pan below.
Plenty oil wetness coming from the back side of engine; alternator end.
What about using an oil leak sealer such as:
https://www.gouniversalproducts.com/...FVRc2god-jFZYA

[geronimo]

People have different opinions about liquid sealants. If they work, they work, but if you pour that in and it does't work, then you're in the same spot, oil leaking, but with that junk gumming up your engine. Unfortunately, leaks can spring from just about anywhere. I think we can find where this leak it coming from though.

Is the oil dripping to the ground, or getting spattered on other components? The oil filter is on the passanger side. It or your drain plug may have rattled open a bit.

[rcalzadilla]

The oil is dripping to the ground. There is a wet area on the corner, the lowest part of the engine block but no droplet is forming there, so it is a very slow leak.
It's impossible to see where it comes from due to the tight fit of the engine.
My best guess is that it comes from the crankshaft oil seal. If it gets any worse maybe I should consider doing the timing chain replacement service.
But at 77,000 miles it's kind of early. Do you agree?

What is the latest milage for timing chain replacement?

Thanks

[geronimo]

Camshaft seal sounds on. That oil leak sealant may be a good option to tied you over til you replace the timing belt. If that doesn't fix it, you might try adding some rtv sealant to any seems you can get to.

I agree 77k is early, however it has been done earlier (Timing Belt Replacement 70k.)

Timing belt replacement is usually around 100k. Most get the water pump, and belt tensioner replaced while they're at it.

Someone who's had it done can probably tell you a bit more if you're looking to do it yourself, but from what I've read, a mechanic will run between $800-$1,000 parts and labor.

Go luck

[rcalzadilla]

Problem solved! No more oil leaks.
One bottle of this in the engine and the dripping stopped almost immediatly.

First time in my life (65 yrs young) using any of these chemicals to solve leaking problem but, the cost of replacing camshaft oil seals is too high, for right now.
When I change the timing belt I'll replace the oil seal.

This is the product: Bar's Leaks Rear Main Seal

Thanks for the help!

[Hooligan]

Glad that solved your problem and good luck with the PT.

[quicksilverdon]

Thanks for getting back with results. Good to know...