Hi subies,

 

Found what looked like a small oil leak on top of my 2004 WRX's engine. Little bit oif oil pooled on engine top, both sides. I noticed a burning oil smell when driving and coming to a stop. Subaru dealer originally said it was rocker cover gaskets. But today, 3 weeks later, dealer says he'd have to do $2,000 worth of work just to find sources of leaks, including the valve covers, timing cover, seals intake manifold. He thought he saw oil leaking from those areas. And any leak repairs would add to the $2,000. I said I'd think about it. Another service writer at same dealership said he would just add some dye to the oil, then check engine a litttle later to see where the oil is leaking from. Much cheaper. I like my car and want to keep it. Anyone ever have an oil leak like this? Just looking for ssome advice at this point.  Thanks.

Most likely the valve cover gaskets. Subarus don't generally leak upwards, so the worst of it is probably underneath. The set comes with new tube seals. Have a look underneath if you can to confirm. You'll know it's the valve cover gaskets if the oil is leaking outward of the exhaust manifold.

Could also be the oil-pressure sensor, which is located on top of the engine.

Edited February 11, 20179 yr by forester2002s

in a new thread, ask for an independent mech near your city - might be better than a dealer for something like this.

Even if it is valve covers gaskets that's dripping on the exhaust, each bank can be done in an hour if you know what your doing.

 

Did them on my car Baja turbo, and my buddy 03 WRX.

Definitely not 2,000$ worth. And I work in Cromwell CT. Which is pretty pricey town. And no way would that be a 2,000$ job to do.

 

But then again. If it's the head gaskets leaking oil. That's a completely different story. But I don't see how they can't find the source of the leak. That's BS. You shouldn't need to spend 2000$ on exploratory surgery on your car.

thank you, guys. I will check out the recommendations.

hi my Subaru legacy bh5 2003 is having the same problem except that there pooling of oil in the staring pump