I have a smal leak that deposits a 1"-2" stain on my driveway when I stop the vehicle. I smell a faint smell of oil burning even while idling. My first though would be the valve cover gaskets. ANy thoughts. I have almost 80,000 on it and have replaced the oil pump. Could it be the crank seal?? HELP

 

Could be the crank seal. As I just replaced mine and it slowed down a oil leak from that area. Could also be the oil cooler plugs on your front cover. Check those, make sure they are tight. Also could be timing cover gasket. But you may have already replaced that with the oil pump. Also check your oil pressure switch/sender. You will have to disconnect the plug and check it is tight.

 

Valve covers would be my first suspect, oil dripping onto the exhaust is the burning smell you get.

 

What about replacing the gaskets - I have read where some don't think that is necessary, WHY?

 

might sound a little crazy but Have you checked to see if the oil filter is tight. I too had a small oil leak, and after a few days of trouble shooting, yep you guessed it. the oil filter was half turn loose. poof no more oil leak.. in fact I can say that for the last almost one month now I am and have been completely leak free AND all fluid levels are perfect...I gotta say there is a part of me that cannot help but think the other shoe is right around the corner from falling..

 

No harm in replacing the valve cover gaskets, but sometimes the valve cover bolts work loose over time and they leak. Snug up the valve cover bolts and the problem goes away.

 

I had the issue of a loose filter before and that is the first I checked. My valve cover bolts were loose and I could see oil coming out but without tearing down you can only tighten the outer bolts. If I had to guess where I think it is at this point I would say the inside rear of the drivers side valve cover. I will also check the other areas you guhave suggested to see if anything has come loose. My suspicions about the valve cover is also due to my smelling the faint smell of burning oil when idling and when I stop. My driveway is slanted so when I park the front end is higher than the rear and therefore the oil would flow into the back of the covers before draining back into the pan.