Oil Leak- front of engine

[columbiers]

Hi,
I have an oil leak I cannot identify the source of. Its at the front of the engine, leaks down and collects at the sump plug.



I thought it was the sump so took it off and resealed but there is still a leak! It seems to pool on a ledge above the sump, circled here:



Any ideas where it could be coming from?

[insanitybeard]

Possibly the oil filter housing to engine block gasket (number 7 here) or the sealing rings either side of the oil cooler (numbers 9 & 12 on the same diagram), or the oil filter cap o-ring, or the oil dipstick tube? Could even be related to one of the gallery plugs or the oil pressure sensor also fitted to the filter housing body. Can you see anything from up top?

[columbiers]

Thank you, that diagram is great!
No, no sign of anything from above, but not easy to see with the oil cooler where it is.
I've changed the dipstick tube already, no difference.
Will examine filter housing and cooler as carefully as possible.

[columbiers]

Had another look, it's looking like 7 or 9 on the diagram are most likely. Lots of pipes in the way but hopefully will be easy enough. Looks like just a few bolts to remove filter housing?
It looks like if I remove the filter housing that gives me access to the seal numbered 9 with no further disassembly of the oil cooler- is this correct?

[insanitybeard]

If you remove the large black headed bolt at the base of the oil cooler (visible in the picture you posted) then the oil cooler should separate from the filter housing without having to remove the filter housing itself, allowing you to renew the top and bottom seals if necessary. Be ready to catch the oil as you pull the cooler away and the filter housing empties of oil though!