07 Impreza 2.5L massive oil leak, took to mechanic who works out of garage in Bloomington who: replaced leaky oil sender on top of head? on drivers side cleaned up the mess and didn't find any more leaks after idle for long time took for 10 minute test drive and finds more leaks thinks it needs to have dye (which he can't do) and run on lift with wheels moving I've had great success working with enthusiasts such as yourselves and am looking for both advice AND offering up some work for someone who does work on thier own (and has reputable bona fides). I'm going to pick up the car tonight, and may have some additional information shortly. Look forward to any insight or advice. BTW: the 02WRXwagon was destroyed in 2010 flood so I settled on 07Wagon2.5L as replacement
Is it leaking onto the ground bad? Check the oil pressure switch under the alternator...if that's all wet and juicy thats an easish fix. Other leak point could be valve covers, cam seals, rear main or seperator plate(unlikely in your vintage), crank seal, and possibly the VVT solenoid. Take some pictures around the engine, this may help us enthusiasts.
Yes, it's leaking BAD from the driver side, and dripping from all under the chassis. I added another quart of oil, then drove it about 10 miles at highway speed, and it is now down that quart. OUCH. Just typing this makes the smell in my brain. When I stop there is smoke from burning oil coming from under the hood. The mechanic cleaned off everything real well with brake fluid. I can see some pool of engine oil at the top of the valve cover next to the oil pressure switch (driver side). Tried to take some pictures but was in work/dress clothes, and haven't been able to get under to see better. I did see a black hose, maybe 3/8" o.d. that looked to be leaking, but have not explored any more. At this rate of leaking, I don't think I'll need dye to determine location, but am MAJOR concerned about the source and fix. I am going to try to post some images here with mark up showing where I saw some pooling. Anyone in the SW metro willing and able to help me with some diagnosis and potential fix - with proper compensation, of course. Wish First Gear Garage were still in business and I'd be there in a heartbeat to rent their lift, but their parts and get to work on repair. View from front, of course. View looking down standing at left front fender
How many miles? Has the timing been done? Maybe your cam seals are leaking. When my OBS had 110k the cam seals had gone bad and started dripping out bottom of timing cover and from top of cover, the oil would blow back on the motor and make it hard to find the leak. It would smoke and smell bad. I If the milage is getting "up there" maybe its time for timing + seals and valve cover gaskets?
Car has 93K miles on it. As this motor (EJ25?) is interference, good to change these bits before catastrophic failure. Any guestimate on cost? Would love to work with someone from forum who works on the side to keep cost down.
Can't say for total cost. If you are a diy guy it can all be done for less. You may need a few special tools. Seal puller. One of the fancy cam tools. Some motor adhesive stuff and a few things I'm forgetting. I know how the procedure goes but lack the special tools. For parts I would get a timing kit with water pump and all the seals. Also since pump comes off might as well do coolant with thermostat. Just stay away from cheap chinese parts.
If the oil is leaking from the timing belt cover, you'll need the timing belt cover seal as well. Somthing that gets over looked until you put it back together and, woops now you have to wait for the part. Doh!
I added some arrows to your picture. Thetwo pinkish red ones are your likely leakers. the yellow arrow would be possible leaking from bottom of oil filler neck; unlikely but possible. When motor is cold, spray down with some brake cleaner, then sop it up, then drive the car around and see if you can notice where any new wet spots are (after you cleaned everything off). Report back after that please.
The VVL oil pressure switch would only leak when VVL was active. VVL is not active at idle. I think it switches on around 2000 RPM. So... it leaking only while you are driving makes sense.
That oil switch in your picture are prone to leaking and can leak a lot!! Also if you over tighten them you can cracked the cylinder head
BUMP: update Wow ! went ahead and had a ton of work done by private mechanic to repair what turned out to be the rear main oil seal. Included in this work since the engine was out: rear main oil seal all engine gaskets timing belt w/ water pump and tensioner bits clutch both axel half shafts Cost: $2900. plus week of rental car cost Excellent value in my opinion
Out of curiosity, since you showed up some pictures that showed oil on top of the motor, which clearly isn't from the rear main, did your mechanic havecany thoughts aboutcthe oil up top? Also, rear main seal makes sense.
