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Old 07-08-2005, 06:05 PM   #1
buz1nonly
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Member#: 71495
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: S.F., CA
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1999 Impreza 2.5RS
Black

Default Can't find oil leak, help..

I got an oil leak, but I can't locate it. The oil is all over the driver's side steering arm boot. The power steering is still full, so I think its actual engine oil. Can any body guess where it's coming from? The valve cover gaskets are all good (I just replaced them). No oil leaks from the front of the engine or the oil pan or the oil bolt.

Any guesses or pointing me to the right direction is much appreciated. Thanks

It's a 99 2.5 RS w/ 163,000 miles on it.

Thanks again.
I can take pictures if that will help.
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Old 07-08-2005, 06:43 PM   #2
RexyGirl
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Location: Mastro Subaru, Sanford FL
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with mods :)

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THe best thing to do is to clean up all the oil you can...brake cleaner will work. Then drive the car for a few days. That should help locate where the fresh oil is. If I had to guess, I would say it is probably your front engine seals. Double check the valve cover gaskets anyway. Just because they are new does not mean they can't be leaking if defective or improperly installed.
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Old 07-10-2005, 01:18 AM   #3
Pakin
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Pictures will help, try to if you can. I have a hard time imagining right now.

-paK +0
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Old 07-10-2005, 02:10 AM   #4
Texas25RS
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Brake cleaner will eat at rubber... it shouldn't be used like that because there is a lot down there it can damage.... use Simple Green as it won't damage rubber or aluminum...
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Old 07-10-2005, 02:15 AM   #5
Pakin
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MY05 Forester 257X

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I use Orange clean/citrus-based cleaners. Stuff works amazing. And smells good

-paK +1
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Old 07-10-2005, 03:44 AM   #6
Max Umbarger
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I love working on my car and everything smelling good!
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Old 07-11-2005, 12:46 AM   #7
buz1nonly
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I will post pictures tomorrow night, if i figure out how i can download them onto the board.
I already tried wiping everything up and made it all clean, by the time I went under the car again, there was oil all over the steering arm boot.
I replaced the valve cover gaskets myself (first time) so i thought i may have done something wrong. They were pretty easy, as everyone stated on this board, so I'm always checking on those seals. They are pretty dry from what i can tell.
I'll post pics. so you guys could have a better idea of what i'm talking about.
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Old 07-11-2005, 12:59 AM   #8
Tim Sanderson
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Blue Ridge Pearl

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I think you may have a leaky rear main seal. Just above the cross member there is an inspection cover. Wipe your finger across that. It's probably oily.

It could also be the oil separator plate on the back of the block.
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Old 07-11-2005, 01:33 PM   #9
buz1nonly
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The cross member also has oil on it too.
Is that a difficult fix for the rear main seal or pricey?
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Old 07-11-2005, 02:16 PM   #10
Tim Sanderson
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Do you have an engine hoist? A torque wrench and a clutch alignment tool? And a set of tools?

If you have all that and a garage with a full day to work on it then it's do-able.
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Old 07-11-2005, 02:24 PM   #11
Charlie-III
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For a dealer to fix, it's ~6 hours of billable x $/hour they charge.

For a DIY person, it is not too bad. I would do the rear seal, check the oil seperator plate (if plastic, they leak, if aluminum they are OK).

To do either requires you pull everything that a clutch would take as well as removing the flywheel. Good time to do a light flywheel and maybe new clutch.
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Old 11-18-2005, 09:49 PM   #12
IllNastyImpreza
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did you ever find the leak? what was it?
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