what can cause an oil leak at the top of a 3.0 vulcan?

[4byRANGER]

theres quite a bit of oil on either side of my 3.0 v6, fresh oil!!

i want to save my engine before anything worse happends, what do you guys think it could be?

 

[4byRANGER]

anything.. maybe cam postioning sensor!?

 

[koda6966]

Just to clarify this, it's at the top of the engine, not the top of the pan correct?

 

[4byRANGER]

yesssir!

i know i may have a main seal leak(but its small enough to not relate)

theres brand new 10w-40 running down either side of my engine, along the trans(but not on the trans) the dust sheild seems to keep it running along the engine

 

[4byRANGER]

?

 

[koda6966]

Well, I would try to clean it up the best you can, then watch it and see where it's coming from. Does it leak only when running or is it a 24/7 kind of leak? If you can find where it's coming from, it would be easier for you (and us) to diagnose the problem.

I used this method when I was JB welding my oil pan. I cut my leak in half by getting as many spots as I could.

 

[4byRANGER]

alright, would it be a good idea to use a foam engine cleaner then hose it off while the engine cool? or maybe pressure wash it?

 

[koda6966]

Hell, I just used soapy water.

 

[fourwheelford]

+1 on the valve cover leaking, maybe your pcv valve is plugged and the pressure is forcing oil past the gasket, that may also be whats causing your main seal leak. I had a volvo that did that and the pressure blew apart a bunch of vac lines and it ran like crap. Its a long shot but take i out and give it a shake, if it rattles its good if not replace it. That pressure will find a way out at the weakest point.