02SE6MT

i have had an alternator go out due to oil (per say of mechanic) the one thing i will say is an alternator will make a leaky valve cover in these cars a mess. If you have a mist of oil on the timing cover it may be the culprit. I would take a piece or pieces of cardboard and secure them between the vc and block and see which one soaks to see where the oil is coming from.

The timing cover has journals in it and shouldnt have much possibility for a leak unless its the main seal at the bottom, if you notice oil on top of the motor or timing cover i say check for a valve cover gasket bc your alternator and serpentine belts may be slinging it everywhere.

02SE6MT

check the photos i originally posted. Looks like the same mess. and this was the alternator that went out and FYI mine was caused by the Timing cover sprocket had no oring in it and was spewing oil with the engine running. The dowel was not completely inserted and looks like someone didnt know how to align the dowels and secure the piece.I must say i dont know how long the engine was doing this as i just bought it at the time but it is completely undriveable under the situation i originally posted because it would spit all the oil on the ground in about 15 minutes. Also check the VTC solenoids if you have removed them recently, they have a metal gasket thats a pain to try and reuse (guess thats why they say 1x use) lemme know if i can help ive put a few motors and trannies in these things.