Hey all, it's been a while since I've posted here but I'm back to shamelessly ask for advice.

I've got an 06 with 96,000 miles on it. I was doing an oil change the other day and I noticed that all around the bolt flange of the oil pan and proximate areas there was that telltale film of dirt that you get when there's a slight leak going on. In some places it was heavier. The rear of the pan was worse than the front but there was definitely residue all around it. The car's been eating a decent amount of oil (around 1.5 quarts per 5,000 miles) between changes but not smoking at all so I guess this might be where it's going.

Oil changes have been done more or less on time and it's been pretty well maintained otherwise. It has seen it's share of autocrossing. Just curious if anyone has seen this, and whether it is likely the pan gasket or possibly the crank seals going. I guess I could clean it up and then check it in a week and see if it has come back at all.

 

Take a look up from under the car at the rear of the valve covers. Mine were both leaking back there, very slowly though. I would only see a drop of oil hanging off their lower edge.

 

Dry it up and spray some leak trace on it. It comes in an aerosol can and it makes everything white. You can easily see where the leak is coming from. One thing that comes to mind is if you are still using the original oil drain plug, that thing is probably worn out. It might be worth the 5 bucks to replace it, but you can try the leak trace first.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses. I'll take a look at it tomorrow.

 

I have an '01 GT and have an oil leak..I'm not certain if it's the pan or from somewhere else, but what is the average cost to have an oil pan gasket repaired? Please help with advice as to find out if it's even the oil pan???

 

Did you check if the oil pan bolts are tight?

 

Certainly see if you can trace it. If it's the pan gasket or drain plug, then it's an easy and inexpensive fix. If not, then you're talking a few more $$, depending on the source, and need to decide if 1.5 qts/5k miles is worth going after providing it doesn't get worse.