I need some help locating an oil leak.
2012 maxima V-6 oil is leaking near cylinder #2 below the valve cover above the A/C compressor near the alternator. I can’t see where it’s leaking. Only leaks when it’s running and is leaking oil on the exhaust manifold so it’s burning oil once the exhaust is hot. Any ideas on where the oil leak is coming from?

 

It is most likely the valve cover. In addition to a gasket, Nissan service data also has you use rtv around the corners of the valve cover. It is also possible that the gasket for the oil cooler is "shooting oil" over that way but not as likely. Jack up the front passenger side, remove the cover over the pullrys and oil filter and see if your "Mark-I callibrated eyeball" gets a better view of the source.

 

I already replaced the valve cover and the few inches below the valve cover are dry. I don’t see any oil by any of the pulleys. I’m thinking it might be the rear timing cover as I don’t see anywhere else that oil could come from. Is there anything on the #2 cylinder side (front end of the car) that could leak oil below the valve cover? Like I said prior the oil is around the alternator height?

I’ll be pulling the belts and alternator to get a better look tomorrow.
thank you to anyone that has advice.

 

You ever determined where was the oil leak from? I'm facing a similar issue... Leaked onto my alternator.