update pics of engine oil leak on my 300td 1990

[jgs600]

hi guys well i powerwashed off the oil from the front of the engine and cleaned it all up. ive no previous history for the car but it looks like some work has been done in the past as there is signs of red gasket sealant.
Is it possible the head is leaking oil......!
anyway first picture is where the oil collects. ive used a small cotton bud to show this.
the second picture shows the oil collecting after about 5mins on tickover.

after 5mins

ive got to use this old girl every day and just starting to wonder if ive done the right thing in taking on a 20year old merc....!

what sort of work/time/money would it cost for a mechanic to take the head off and fix this.also if i decide to throw money at her would it be worth doing anything else while the head is off.....gulp

 

[mattc]

If thats tthe front of the engine then thats the upper timing chain cover thats leaking. You could do that job yourself I reckon.

 

[spock500]

Head gaskets don't need a sealer so surprised to see that on the edges.

Taking the head off is not difficult but is quite expensive due to the parts needed.

HG set is around £60 plus you need the stretch bolts, my five cylinder had 22 of them which range from £3-7 depending on where you get them.

 

[spock500]

I forgot to add that it's good practice to skim the head once its off and once you have gone that far may as well get the valve seats re-cut

It just adds up..