Why is there oil on top of the engine?

[nelstomlinson]

There are puddles of oil on top of the engine, particularly visible on the passenger side. This is the 2002 I put a new short block into about 5000 miles back. Anyone have any idea where that's coming from?

[montana tom]

oil pressure sending unit

[brus brother]

if near front ps fluid?

[bushytails]

You own a subaru.

 

[nvu]

Other places to check.  If near the rear passenger, check the pcv hoses.  If turbo, theres a middle block nipple that likes to leak when the clamps weaken from heat.

[nelstomlinson]

No turbo, thank God. @montana tom, where's the oil pressure sender? Is that near the front, a little to the passenger side of the middle?

[montana tom]

Near the front, on top, on the pass side. Between the alternator and the power steering pump.

Is this motor oil or perhaps it is power steering fluid?

 

[nelstomlinson]

It's definitely motor oil. I looked closely at that sensor, and I can see oil bubbling out of it. It must be bad if my old eyes can see it.

NAPA calls that an oil pressure switch, and they should get it in today or tomorrow. Oddly, NAPA specs say it's a 2-7psi switch. I guess that means it closes somewhere between 2 and 7PSI? or maybe closes at two, re-opens at 7? That seems WAY low.

If I put a proper gauge there, what would it read?

[bushytails]

It'd read somewhere between 2 and 100. 

I remember when ford fixed complaints of low oil pressure by replacing the gauge sender with a switch and resistor, so the gauge always read 2/3rds from 2psi up...