Oil Leak Pattern question

[Mudd]

Can you tell what is leaking by the oil pattern on the ground.

I have 8 to 10 silver dollar sized oil spots spread out in an area a little larger than a square foot under the engine compartment. A backyard mechanic told me that it is probably the oil pan gasket.

[Tcrate]

Best bet is to get it on a lift. I had a rear seal leak that looked like an oil pan gasket leak. looking at the oil pan it looked like the pan gasket. Then once I got it on the lift you could see it running down from inside the flywheel. You sure dont want to miss the diagnosis, neither is necessarily a simple fix.

[JAXTURBO]

Even w/out a lift you could use a set a ramps to check. Drive up on ramp remove belly pan and spray underneath with engine cleaner. Rinse with hose. Spray remaining soiled areas with brake cleaner. Run motor, watch for seepage/wetness to develop. However, like Tcrate says, rear seal, or pan, neither are simple fix. When you read the DIY on these jobs they would seem daunting, but they are really just time consuming. Much patience will be needed... and a bunch of not oft used tools.

[mytrplseven]

I chased leaks like this, too. I went to the auto parts store and bought a dye check kit. They aren't expensive and with the special light and glasses, you'll find the source of all the leaks. I'd recommend a throrough gunk and pressure cleaning of the engine top and bottom first and then put the dye in the oil. Run the engine for a day or two and then get under there with the light and glasses and you'll see all of them. Or....you could do what I eventually did (as a result of the dye check)....replace all the seals on the engine, top to bottom, front to back because if one is leaking, they all will sooner than later because they're all the same age: OLD. My engine is now tight and dry.

[zerMATT951]

There are many common leaks on these cars including those that have been mentioned, plus the cam tower or rear cam cover gasket, balance shaft rear o-rings, and AOS o-rings. Not to mention all of the common seals and o-rings on the front of the motor, plus every steering-related hose will eventually start to leak with the age of these cars.