jayseidel

I have a major oil leak that running down off the oil pan thats coming from somewhere behind the alternator. Has anyone had this issue, and what was the source of the leak?

CRAZY_RUSSIAN

could be your valve cover gasket or your cam seal

Sir Chucksalot

jayseidel

I had the same thing happen to me and it was my oil pressure sensor. This is on the other side of the oil pan, but it was almost impossible to tell which side it was leaking from until I actually found the leak itself. It might be worth a check. I only found it because the sensor eventually failed and I had to replace it... and in doing so I accidentally, albeit successfully, stopped the leak. I have not heard of this happening to anyone else, but maybe you'll be another lucky one.

Best of luck!

Chuck

bronxnativ

Agree with Chucksalot,

I had a huge oil leak (see my previous post in reference to this!) coming from the oil pressure switch. Mine sites below spark plug 2-3. I have two switches and top one was leaking. Replaced it and oil leak stopped but have now discovered same leak (less oil) and I'm thinking its from the bottom switch which I plan to replace soon. Easiest way to check: locate oil pressure switch and while car is idling, watch if it leaks oil!
Thats all their is to it!
Good Luck...

CRAZY_RUSSIAN

hmmm... i thought the alternator was on the right hand side of the car...
but yes, the oil pressure switches is a known problem, they do fail and cause a leak.

jayseidel

yes, the leak is on the passenger side of my 1995 audi 90. I cant see where the leak is coming from because the alternator is in the way. but the oil is gushing out where ever its coming from. Is the oil switch behind the alternator? Where exactly is it located?

bronxnativ

Check below spark plugs 2 and 3. The oil pressure switch is connected to the engine block.You'll see an electrical connector that plugs into the switch. You may have one or two switches(unsure on your year). Allow the card to idle for about 5-10 minutes and look at the switch. If it is gushing oil, that is your culprit!

CRAZY_RUSSIAN

ok, clearing this up for ppl, the switches are on a driver side, the alternator, is on a passenger side! so unless the switches gushing oil out and some form of magical draft tacking that oil from the driver side and smudging it on a passenger side, there is no way it could be the switches! Check your power steering lines, (still cant imagine how it could be one, but you newer know. also, if you still cant find it, you may have to get an UV kit and add it to the oil. but im thinking its ether your cam seal, valve cover, or maybe head gasket.

mi-audiguy

do a quick check of the flux capacitor too....

jayseidel

i wish i had delorean to check the flux capacitor, but i guess im stock with an oil leaking audi. There is nothing coming from the cam shaft seal, I guess i'll have to remove alt so i can get a visual.