oil leak

[thegoodstink]

So, I've discovered a pretty good oil leak under my 2004 X. My starter motor is coated in oil. It doesn't appear to be coming from the top of the motor, ie head gasket, valve covers, etc... Just the starter is covered, and then spreads out under that. I can't seem to track it down. Checked all hoses in the area, and they seem fine. To top it off, she doesn't seem to be low on any fluids either. Anyone have any insight for me???

[Adam]

Is the oil pressure sensor above the starter on the X? On the older pathfinders it is. If it's in the same place it could be that.

Also look underneath, is the bottom of the transmission housing where it meets the motor covered in oil?

[thegoodstink]

The oil only leaks when the truck is running. Pretty sure the oil pressure sensor is located at the oil filter mounting area. There is oil in the area where the engine mounts to the tranny, but I'm pretty sure that oil is coming from the phantom oil leak. Oil leaking from a crank seal, would leak when the truck is off still right? This is vexing me.......

[Adam]

No, when my rear main seal leaked it only leaked while running.

[Jibber]

This could be a stupid question, but have you checked the rest of the fluids? Maybe it only looks like oil cause it's got so much road crap in it.

[thegoodstink]

I thought it was tranny fluid at first, but I fixed the leaky tranny cooler line. It's definitely engine oil. It's certainly a crappy spot to try and pin point a leak....can't get a good look at anything.

[Snafu]

Do you think an inspection camera can get in there to have a look?

[thegoodstink]

Camera would be nice, but it only seems to leak while running. I think I'm going to degrease the area, then mount my gopro in there somehow, and see if that'll catch it. Pretty sure the starter is crappin' out now.... It never ends......

[Snafu]

Let me know if you would like to try it. A hoist would be helpful too.

Want an 07?

[thegoodstink]

Hoist? You mean forklift?? LOL Might have to take inner fender wall off. It'll never go back together properly again....

[Jibber]

Buy some degreaser then go to a wash yourself place and clean the crap out of it. If you can get all the crud off it you might find the source.