saltrig

This has been a tough one. I get massive oil drips out the dead front of my engine. I've also been under there when engine is running and not seen a drop. It leaks more when oil level is full (probably higher oil pressure) but will also leak if I slosh it, ie brake hard, but the leak will dwindle the longer the oil sits in the truck and/or its level drops. I thought it was my oil pan gasket because there's a break in the gasket material that squished out. Problem is this sits right under the oil pump so it could also be the front crank seal or oil pump gasket dripping down. I asked the dealer if they could verify either one since they'd just done an HG job on it. They said they couldn't tell, but thought I had a leak at the oil cooler o-ring I was surprised they couldn't find a cup-at-a-time oil leak off the front engine but it shows you how fickle this thing is. Since I can't locate the exact source I figure I have three choices:

a) fix the PITA oil pan gasket and see what happens

b) fix the PITA front crank seal and oil pump gasket and see what happens

c) suck it up, replace them all whether they need it or not (170k on truck) and let God sort out the rest.

d)try some further testing strategies (ie put dye in oil, get a black light, smoke a joint)

Obviously, I'm looking for the cheapest most logical course. I'd also like to be able to park places before my only friend is the Exxon Valdez oil tanker guy. All suggestions welcome.

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'91 4x4 V6 Pickup
'77 FJ40 Land Cruiser