My 1996 maxima has been leaking oil for about a year and a half. Until about 5 days ago it was leaking SO little that it was barely worth mentioning. Maybe 1/4 to 1/2 a quart between oil changes.
Over the last few days it has increased to maybe 1/4 quart every 100 or so miles.
Since the leak started I have had 3 different professional gusses on where the oil may be leaking from.
Guess #1; The oil is leaking fromn the timing cover. This requires the removal of the engine to fix.
Guess #2; The oil is leaking fom the 'upper oil pan gasket'. This requires that a bunch of stuff like the AC be removed from underneath the car. About $500 in labor.
Guess #3; It is just the oil pressure sensor/switch screwed into the very bottom of the oil pan. I do not think it is this because it just really looks like the oil is comming from higher than that.
More info.. Car has about 125-140k miles on it. Exact mileage unknown because the odomoter was replaced a while back.
Automatic trans.
I have owned it for 6 years and drive like a little old lady.
Any advice on what might be leaking and/or the best way to diagnose this leak would be appreciated.