oil leaking down off of oil filter....valve cover gasket?

[Teearohwhy]

Every time I drive my car it drips oil down off of the filter when I park it. Could a bad valve cover gasket cause that much lost oil? I put in at least 2 quarts now between oil changes and it is getting progressively worse. The oil spot is a couple inches in diameter every time. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[01bonneSC]

Sounds like the oil pressure switch.

[Teearohwhy]

have any info on it? Is it a common issue?

[01bonneSC]

Yes. It fails electrically or leaks oil. Very common. It's directly above the oil filter.

[Teearohwhy]

how do I go about fixing it? Do I need to replace it?

[00Beast]

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 17496.html

[01bonneSC]

But also check your valve cover gaskets, they are prone to leaks also.

[01bonneSC]

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 25362.html

[Teearohwhy]

I'm not having any issues with my oil pressure gauge tho...could it still be leaking?

[deano55]

did you look up in there yet to see if it's leaking? It can leak and still show pressure.

[flatlander745]

The power steering pump resides right above the the oil pressure switch (on a L67) not sure if it is same location on yours, but leaky ps pump/ connections will drip > oil pressure switch > oil filter > false oil leak. You'll have to get on ramps an look up from underneath from the back of the cradle to see.

[01bonneSC]

Is the fluid red or brown?

[Teearohwhy]

Ok i looked around in there. I bought a new sensor and started to remove the filter. I looked up in there and its definately not leaking from the oil pressure sensor/switch. That was about the only place that didn't have oil around it. The fluid is brown, definately oil, also sometimes i get smoke off of the exhaust underneath the VCG which leads me to believe its leaking from he valve cover gasket and what isn't getting burned off trickles all the way down to the filter and then drips off. I changed the front gasket easy enough awhile back but it looks like i have to tear quite a bit apart to get at the rear. Alternator, lift bracket, wiring, etc. If anyone has done this and has any helpful tips they would be much appreciated. Thanks! I will also look around the PS Pump and see what I can find when I get a chance.

[J Wikoff]

Another leak that could send oil down the filter is the front cover. Mine leaked. Just something to check while you're in there.