Rear main seal or oil filter leak?

[Cadwilson1987]

Recently purchased a 2003 B300 V6 with 145,000 miles on it. I’m noticing a slight collection of oil happening on drivers side of oil pan and running down to the pan drain bolt/ rear main seal area. I inspected the oil filter and was able to give it a few small turns by hand to tighten it up so I’m hoping that fixes it. The oil doesn’t even leak enough that it makes any noticeable drips on the driveway. Yet. This being my first Ranger and an uncommon car to me I’m just looking for re-assurance that this doesn’t look to be a rear main seal leak.
TIA

 

[sgtsandman]

Hose it down with brake cleaner so as to be sure there isn't more than one leak and to get a better idea where the oil is coming from. That being said, it was probably the filter. I have to crank mine down pretty good in order to make sure it doesn't vibrate loose. Standard hand tight doesn't cut it.

 

[mikkelstuff]

If it's like my 2002 Ranger 3.0L at 145,000 miles, the valve covers AND oil pan gasket are leaking.

 

[Cliff_m]

At 150k could be all of the above. If money and time are an issue get some uv dye and cheap light. It'll point you in the right direction.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Moved this post to the 3.0L forum.

All oil leaks travel down and blow back. I would start this process with some degreaser and a power wash. Being the starter is soaked... it could be from some spillage from changing the oil filter. But I would suspect the valve cover gasket leaking down onto the starter.