M104 24V Oil Leak

[ucr]

I have an M104 engine

I have a small oil leak from the drivers side front of the engine....directly above the alternator.

Would this be the timing cover gasket.

How could I tell if it is this or the head gasket ?

PS my oil level has been running high (max) and not at 1/2 to 3/4 full as advised

 

[BlackC55]

Front cover seal or HG. Check the back of the head too for leaks.

 

[ucr]

No Oil leaks at back
How can you tell which one HG or front cover seal ?

 

[carat 3.6]

Clean it all off, go for a short drive and check if you can see where it is starting from. If you cant see it, keep checking for the leak as you use the car.

 

[BlackC55]

No Oil leaks at back
How can you tell which one HG or front cover seal ?

Are you 100% sure. They are often tricky to see.

 

[brigadier]

timing covers sometimes leak at full oil level. best keep at half and see if it still leaks.

 

[donubenz]

I have had good results finding a leak source by using a sprinkle of talc. Clean area with solvent and dry then put the talc on.