07 TL-S 121k miles. timing belt service done at 105k

4-6 drips of oil on the floor in about a week's time. any thoughts?

Oil residue around filter area seems to be from oil change messes. If I feel for the drain plug I immediately get oil, I had the drain plug checked and its not that. If I put my hand directly north of the drain plug until my hand doesn't fit I get oil as far as I can feel. Explains oil on drain plug, but plug is fine. If I look from above I can see no oil. Any one know what's above the drain plug area? Would it be a failure of the pan seal? Or the dreaded oil pump seal?

Thanks.

 

first item that comes to mind is the aluminum washer on the drain plug may need to be replaced.

if it were the oil pump seal i think you'd have more than a few drips.
I would get some brake cleaner and clean up the area you suspect it could be coming from.
Might help to better pinpoint where this potential source of the leak.


Another part could be the rear valve cover but you would get a faint smell of burning oil when driving.

 

the oil pump seal leak actually happens more when you drive and not when parked. i barely have any leaking when parked (no oil spots) but my mechanic told me i have the leak and it slowly comes out when i drive. i put about 1 quart in extra per oil cycle.

 

I also have an oil pump seal leak. Very slow leak with no oil on garage floor, but can smell burning when stopped at long light. Never down any oil between changes. I find the best view is when you take off front right tire and look at oil filter....look above and behind and see if you see any oil on the engine....might provide a better view to see where it is coming from.

 

thanks, I'll try for a better view.

 

I changed the PCV valve and its been leak free for over 2 weeks. Coincidence?