My '03 S has a small oil leak coming from somewhere near the filter housing. I've checked the base of the filter can where it screws into the housing, and I see no leak there (finger doesn't get oil on it). I suspect that the gasket between the filter housing and the block has started to leak. Has anyone else seen evidence of that? I've got a set of headers coming, and I'd like to take care of this oil leak at the same time. At least I'll get a good view of the leak with the subframe off of the car.
Have a look at the oil pressure switch, oil can weep from there and collect around the housing bottom bolt.
Ok, i'll give that a good look. I replaced the tensioner a year ago, wonder if the seal there could be leaking.
When is the last time you had an oil/filter change? Sometimes the ring on the filter can get crimped/over tightened and can leak.
I'd certainly like it to be that simple. The leak happened about 4000 miles after the last oil change, though, and there is no oil around the base of the filter can.
Not to take the thread off topic but you said you were installing a header and you could take a good look at this problem while the subframe was off. Are you removing the subframe to install the header or is there another problem or service you are doing?
Great pics, I have a leak that looks worse than that, but that might be a good place to start looking. Anywhere else in that area that is a common for an oil leak ?
Follow up: It appears that I have a leak past the oil pressure switch. I'll put on a new one and clean up the oil. In time I'll find out if there are any other leaks.