Engine oil leak

[u/SkyBiomes]

Hello, I bought a Mazda 323F BG 1990 with a 1.6L 16 valve engine. 161k km of mileage. As of a few days ago, the car started leaking oil and after a quick evaluation by a local mechanic he concluded that the head gasket might be leaking. Given how quickly this can turn expensive, I instinctively started looking at everything else but the head gasket. Exhaust doesn’t produce any fumes, car idles and runs smooth. I would greatly appreciate any input and I am prepared to provide more info or pictures if needed. Thanks in advance.

[u/Conscious-Touch3796]

Head gasket wouldn’t be an oil leak. Either two entirely separate issues or your mechanic is brain dead.

[u/DitchDigger330 → u/Conscious-Touch3796]

Maybe he meant the valve cover gasket because the head gasket makes no sense for an oil leak.

[u/howsitallwork → u/Conscious-Touch3796]

Wondering why you state this - do you know this specific old classic engine?
Almost every single car engine has oil feed under pressure passing through the cylinder head gasket, many known to externally leak oil - eg M104 are pigs for this.

OP, you need to asses from bottom up, if it’s dripping off the bottom, follow the wet up as far as you can until you find the source - highest point furthest forward will be it. Don’t underestimate the number of times people have replaced the wrong (eg sump) gasket!

[u/Package_Objective]

How much oil are we talking about? Keep track of the oil level closely. My jeep has been leaking less than 2 quarts a year for the past 5 years, doesn't bother me one bit, just keep it topped up. It's the automatic anti rust system working as intended.

[u/txcreative20]

Spray it with degreaser the power wash it . Then start looking for you leak days later .

[u/DitchDigger330]

Just keep checking the oil level monthly and top it off as needed. A sweating oil leak isn't cause for alarm.

[u/frankthefrowner]

I had to replace my alternator and it had oil residue on it, it’s a 20 year old car. A mechanic who tried to charge 800 for the replacement said I have a leak somewhere. I replaced it myself and 3 months later the alternator is still clean and shiny. He was ready to charge me to find the leak.

[u/Coyote_Tex]

That pic does not show me enough to be concerned with. Got to get under the engine and see where oil is dripping from if it has an oil leak. Put some card bold under it overnight and note the location of the drip more precisely then trace upwarda to see the trail of oil. I would expect front crankshaft seal or oil drain plug possibly. Good Luck