fastcarny

Just wondering what the most common area is for an oil leak on my 02 Maxima? I noticed a few drips under the car towards the back of the engine near the firewall on the ground. I know the valve cover gasket is a big thing with our cars but is there anything else to check? Thanks..

Heel Til I Die

Might want to check the rear main seal and the oil pan gaskets too.

Derrick2k2SE

iTrader: (3)

If it's near the firewall it's most likely the rear valve cover.

fastcarny

Looking now with a bright light while car is running--Valve cover looks dry and rear main is also dry! I ll keep watching it over the next 15 mins. Thanks so much!

Donkeypunch

Sometimes the gaskets on the spark plug holes leak and fill up with oil.
Perhaps that's whats leaking.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

plus 8 , and if so you 6th gen VC's

Derrick2k2SE

iTrader: (3)

I wouldn't worry about watching it leak with the car running. Unless it's really pissing out you'll never see it. The heat of the running car will keep you from doing it right.

The trick is to lift the car (while it's cool) and look for the oil/dirt trail from the leak. You'll need a small bright flashlight and you'll have to get your hands up in the area around your rear manifold. The oil will always drip down and tend to move back due to the airflow. It will also move sideways along a ledge or other gasket even if that gasket isn't leaking. Find the lowest wet spot and follow it up. You should find a spot where it's clean above and dirty below. If you can't find oil higher than that spot you've found your leak.

Fix it, clean it, drive it for a while and look for leaks below your repair. Don't try and fix anything below the highest leak.

You should also look at your high pressure PS hose. It can leak inside the heat covering and drip down without making a mess anywhere else.

Both cam position sensors can also leak. Easily fixed with new O-rings or some RTV.

If it's not dripping between the motor and tranny your rear main is probably ok.

My first guess would be the rear VC. Not too bad of a repair.
Second guess would be the front main seal behind the main pulley.
Also, the drain plug or oil pressure sender can leak.

I'd be real surprised if it's the upper or lower oil pan gaskets unless they've been worked on before.

fastcarny

Thank you!! I will check it on a lift!