I was changing my oil the other day and noticed what I would conclude was proof of a leak somewhere. Right above the drain plug is some sensor in the oil pan and I found oil residue where it looked like oil had come down the pan. Instantly I figured one of two things: one, the intake manifold gasket is leaking (fairly common) or two, the oil pan gasket is leaking (not too common from what I've seen). Even better is that I've noticed the engine has been burning a little oil lately. It hasn't let off smoke or anything, but occasionaly I can smell oil getting burnt. This makes me think it's probably just a leak that is burning on the block or exhaust manifolds or something. My friend also noticed the smell when I passed him on the road.

Now I need some opinions. What do you guys think the most likely problem is, i.e. where should I look? Also if it does happen to be blow-by in the cylinders how do I check? Basically what are some things I can do to narrow down the problem. Any help is much appreciated.

Also, I just got back from Autozone where I had the car scanned (figured it would be a good idea ). Anyway, I didn't get the code from the guy but he said it read that my car was running lean. By any chance would this be a MAF problem? I knew I had a code for it a while back and never got around to replacing it so I figure this is what it is. Anything else that could cause the car to run lean?

I hope I've given enough info. And again any help is much appreciated as it keeps me off a wild goose chase of fixes.

 

I would feel around the back of the manifold where it meets the block. If you came back with an oily hand, I would say the manifold is leaking oil. You can also check around the valve covers to see if theyare leaking.

The senser in the pan is the oil level senser. It has gasket that could be leaking as well.

 

I've been meaning to get around to checking the back, just haven't got to it (story of my life currently). Never thought about the gasket on the oil level sensor, definately need to check that.

The thing that bothers me (other than the leak) is the burning oil. Is there any way I can check to see if the problem is internal? I'm hoping it's just oil from the leak getting on hot parts, but more than likely it won't work out that easy (never seems to anyway).

 

if it is internal, you see some blue smoke when you start it. You could also pull the plugs to see if you are burning oil. More then likely it is a valve cover gasket that is leaking on the manifold.