Dodge/Chrysler oil leaks

[bp71k5]

My buddy and I both have 97 minivans with oil leaks. Mine is minor and his leaks a ton. There's lots of dirt/oil all around the engine compartment so it's tough to tell where it's coming from. Anyone have experience locating problem areas on the 1997 3.8 liter motors I can focus on afte cleaning it?

 

[1BEATK5]

those are my favorite. i would do them all day if i can sell them.
#1 valve covers.
#2 lower intake manifold
#3 oil pan. hard to tell when they leak if everything else is leaking onto it
#4 front crank seal. look for oil on the pass. side on the hood, and for an oil soaked belt.

if it has higher mileage, sometimes the timing cover leaks coolant. also i bet that the water pump is leaking. they only seem to last a few months.

also the trans likes to leak at the solenoid pack, pan seal, and diff seal

i would start with the valve covers and intake. its easier to do them both at the same time. wash the engine after that, then watch for further leaks.

 

[bp71k5]

Thanks, I'll start there and see how it goes.

 

[USSkoval]

The oil sending units often leak too.

 

[1BEATK5]

also be careful doin the valve covers, you dont want all that junk falling into the engine. i usually take some brake clean and wash the area between the intake, and covers, (thats where junk seems to collect) so when you take the covers off junk doesnt fall in the engine. then scrape old gaskets off towards the outside of the engine.
also dont forget the rtv on both sides of the intake gasket in the corners.