After Oil change, something's leaking :(
 

Hello all!
So I recently just changed the oil myself at 1600km using 5w20 castrol synthetic along with a Subaru oem tokyo roki filter and crush washer for the drain bolt.
The change went smoothly but after driving I notice oil on the metal casing by the drain plug.

I wiped the area down by the metal casing and over night I put down paper towels and no dripping at all on the paper towels. The drain bolt itself and the pan is dry with no evidence of oil on it because I thought it was initially coming from there.
I hand tightened the oil filter and torqued the drain bolt to 28 ft.lbs.
I filled the oil about 5.2 liters.

So I'm wondering where this is coming from or if it's even engine oil.
I'm assuming it is because when I jacked the car up for the very first time there was no oil like that at all on the metal casing.
I even checked out that block off plate on the passenger side an it's dry as a bone.
I took it out today again for about a 20km drive and the oil is back.



I snapped some pics right after the drive.

http://imageshack.us/a/img407/333/st...0130401001.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img716/333/st...0130401001.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img138/333/st...0130401001.jpg

Might be a long shot but is it leaking by the filter? Oil plug looks ok. Did the gasket on the old oil filter come off with the filter? Or is it stuck on the engine. Might be easy to check on these cars because the filter is on the top. Or just look at the old filter to make sure the gasket is on there and not stuck to the engine.

Really long shot - check the oil fill cap is on tight and the dip stick is in there all the way.

check the thin metal cover on the backside of the right head.

Are you sure that you took out the old drain plug crush washer? For some reason the OEM washer is painted black (the same color as the drain bolt). If you still have the old washer plus the new washer then this can cause a slight leak (don't ask me how I know this :bonk:)

Interesting. In for solution

Not sure if this is your problem but if you put 5.2 liters then you under filled. Capacity is 5.8 quarts which equals about 5.48 liters.

I think it's pretty impossible to have a leak due to under filling the engine by a quarter of a quart of engine oil.

Everyone that has changed their oil thus far has noted that 5.8 quarts is too much. It's actually closer to something under 5.5.

OP - is it possible that some oil just spilled out on to the top of the aluminum shield and when you're driving the car, airflow pushes it out on to the bottom? I would jack up the front, remove the shield (you can follow the GrimmSpeed Exhaust System Removal DIY if you need instructions), wipe the entire thing down, check for any other oil drippings by the pan, and if everything's clean, take it out for another drive. If it's dry after that, it was most likely just some oil that was left on the top of the shield.

are you sure you didnt spill oil or some splashed out? Pull the metal pan and clean it

It's also possible that the dipstick is reading incorrectly. I don't know about you, but if my manual tells me 5.8 that's what I am going to trust. Plus if the engine happens to have any issues due to over filling, then subaru/toyota can fix it since that is what they recommended that I fill it to. Also this is how our cars came from the factory, and this is what the dealer will fill to if you let them do your oil change.

The likely scenario is that unless you let your oil drain for an extended amount of time, you'll still leave some oil in the engine. So long as your level (per dipstick) shows within the acceptable range, I'd say you're good.

There is a good amount of oil that never drains out of the engine. Don't keep putting 5.8 quarts into it. Use the dipstick that's what it is there for.

As for he original poster, are you sure you didn't spill some oil that's blowing off the under tray hen driving?

I believe this could be that little plate previously mentioned. It has been known on several cars to leak and require gasket sealer to fix.

Hi guys I appreciate all the replies! I'm on lunch break (working nights) so ill
Keep this short for now! I did not leave the old gasket on for sure, infact it was stuck on
The oil drain bolt I had to use a flathead to pry it off then I put the new washer on.
I'm very sure I didn't spill a drop of oil anywhere, I used a funnel and everything
To pour the oil in. Also the old oil filter has the gasket still on it.
I checked the block off plate too on the passenger side and
Its dry, no signs. My dipstick is on secure. My engine oil cap is on tight as well as the filter.
There are no signs of leaks around the rims of the filter or oil cap.
I'm quite puzzled:(
Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to take it for a drive anbd see if it comes back/wipe
The area if it does and check again. Will post pics. Ill remove the shield too if I have time.