did the oring from a previous filter get stuck on the block, not allowing the new one to seal properly. this happened to me once on a previous vehicle.

You could get one of those dye kits at NAPA or most any autoparts place and put it in the oil. Then use a black light to try to see where it is coming from. It works great on coolant leaks but have not used the oil product yet.

Oil filter and sender are fine. I spent some time under there with the engine running and think I've traced it back behind the timing belt cover... I didn't pull that off because that is nearing the limits of this spark plug and oil change grade of mechanic. And it was time to feed the kids. Cam seals?

And while I was down there, I saw red stuff dripping down from the rear passenger side of the engine, up high near where the driver side exhaust crosses over. It was above the transmission, so I'm thinking coolant - smelled/felt about right - it was mingled with oil by the time it got to the bottom... Grrr.

I just had a coolant leak at the rear of the engine, posted this about it a couple of weeks ago...
Previous post
It looked like this:



You might be able to see the oil leak by taking off the plastic timing belt cover. You can take out the bolts and leave the top radiator hose connected, just pull it back far enough to get a look. If you know what the problem is before you take it to a mechanic, they tend to be more honest (IMHO).

Update -

I pulled off the timing belt cover and found everything in there squeaky clean. The leak is coming from under the very forward, inboard end of the driver side valve cover gasket, the drip is following the edge of the timing belt cover around and down giving it the appearance that it is coming out of that cover further down. I'll ahve the gaskets replaced, while they are in there, it should be a lot easier to figure out where my coolant leak is coming from...

Thanks for all of your input - I'm glad I eliminated the stuff behind the timing belt cover and did not go into my mechanic's shop pointing fingers... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

Scott