jmvandal

I have a 2007 Subaru Outback w/ 150K, it uses about a quart every 3K miles; which isn't unreasonable, I would prefer none but I am a realist in this case, it uses oil, I check and fill as necessary......... However, recently, w/in the last 5-10K I have been noticing a burned oil smell coming from the engine and a little more oil consumption or loss in this case than normal. I have attached an image illustrating from left to right a pool of oil which seems to be coming from a 'sensor'; Can someone confirm what the component actually is? Originally thought it may be an oil pressure sensor, but the location seems a bit off from pictures I have located. Hopefully someone can set me straight. I am fairly handy and this seems like it would be easy to change. Any and all help is appreciated.