So i recently changed my timing belt, incorrectly, because i was over confident and thought i could it without the tool. Unfortunately it came off before we were able to mark it and i had to drive it a few miles with the belt on incorrectly. Im at 237,000 miles right now, and i have noticed that the car has started crying oily brown tears. The leak seems to be coming from the bottom of the engine, so i think it may be the oil pan gasket but im not sure. (really hoping its not the cam seals....) It will leak out half a quart over night. Here is what comes out after about 5 hours of sitting:


I know having the timing set incorrectly is not great for the engine, and this only started after we did the belt. My valve covers are not perfect, but i doubt this much could be leaking just from them. Where should i start looking? Im getting it onto a lift this weekend hopefully.

Will the the oil treatments to increase viscosity work with this car?

What is a good way to diagnose where this is coming from? I should add that it is a 2.8 L V6 and always had a steady leak, would need about a quart every month and a half or so.

THanks for the help!

Bought the car with 224,000 in Portland, OR SInce then I have replaced:

- all brake rotors
- all calipers and pads
- 2 front axles (cvs were torn bad)
- water pump
- timing belt
- fuel filter
- spark plugs
- plug wires
- drive belt
- camshaft position sensor (faulty sensor caused an interesting road trip...)
- manual transmission fluid
- changed oil filter twice
- 4 new tires

even with the problems, still the finest car i have driven so far. want to keep her alive as long as possible!

 

Thre is good possibility that the oil pressure switches near the oil cooler are causing the leak rather than the oil pan gasket. Pull back the rubber boot from the switches and take a look at them while the engine is running at around 2000-2500 RPM

 

Great i will do that thanks. Also on occasion i get a check engine light that comes on and off. Haven't scanned it because it only shows up after about 10 minutes of driving, but i when i turn the car off and back on, it is gone. I've heard this can be related to oil pressure switches so i will start there. I've also realized the car leaks only a quart and then stops. Not sure if that's relevant or not.