I think I have a leak between the block and the upper oil pan. Its not urgent that I take care of it now cause I drive less than 100 miles per week and when the snow starts flying I'll only be driving on Sundays. I plan to do a tranny swap over the winter. I figure that would be the best time to take care of the leak. The only odd thing about this is that it is spuratic. The leak is usually slow. So slow that I don't really need to top it off. But it has decided twice to **** on my garage and driveway. In an hour interval it has dropped probably half a quart of oil out. Its done this twice. Why? My questions are:

Which type of liquid gasket should be used?
Does the Power Steering need to come off? The FSM doesn't say so.
Is it possible to remove this without taking out the engine support beam? I wouldn't mind taking it out if I could. The reason I ask is because it is welded on the front. I did this because it ripped out of the radiator support and there was no other choice besides replacing the whole rad. support. Thats a big ordeal. I'd rather not have to grind away at the weld if its not required.
Finally, in the last photo, what is that weird **** sticking out to the right of the oil droplet? Is that the gasket that has desttoyed itself?
Is it possible to seal it well from the outside? I would assume its not possible but asking just incase.
Is removing the lower oil pan required? I would assume so because of the oil sump but I just wanna know. The least disturbing of the peace the better right.

Here are pics. These are because I would also like the confirmation from knowledgable people that this is in fact the location of the leak.







BTW, those of you with lots of money, please don't tell me to throw in a new engine because its not worth it. I plan on doing this myself for less than $10.

 

Check your rear valve cover. http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=342579

 

Thanks Ant. I forgot to mention that I knew about that possibility. I will be removing the IM and Rear VC next week to make 'em look perty. I hope your right. It really doesn't look like its the VC though because it is clean as a whistle between the two.

 

The lower pan and the beam will need to be removed to take off the upper pan. Power steering is left untouched. Trying to seal it from outside is a waste of time and effort. No chance of it woking. I once redid the upper gasket only to find out it was leaking from the rear timing cover. Good luck.

 

I figured it would be a waste. Also, if it isn't the oil pan seal then why do I have a leak on the left side of the engine where the A/C goes?