Well, it turns out the oil leak is the gasket on the upper oil pan. Mechanic estimates about $1000 to fix it. Probably not worth it unless there's some kind of little known wizardry that can be done to seal it or slow it down.

 

Do any of the leak sealant additives work? Even a little? This car has been on borrowed time, so even if I got 6 more months out of it, it would be worth it to nurse it along.

 

How bad is the leak? I have a leak in the gasket just above the oil sending unit. Just a drop a day and only in cold weather. A few years ago I switched to full synthetic oil. Over time the leak stopped. I think it simply got gunked up and plugged itself. I'm not a fan of oil additives in modern engines.

 

billmac77 - can you redefine what you mean when you say "upper oil pan"? There is only one oil pan. Do you mean it's leaking from the top of the lower crankcase?

 

 

I'm only going by what the mechanic said to my wife. He said it required removing the timing mechanism, if that helps.

 

Your going to have ask him (mechanic). Does he mean the cover for the chains on the front of the engine ?
It's called the front cover.

 

Resealing an oil pan should only be $300-$500 depending on labor rates in your area. No gasket needed, just sealer.

 

H'mmm; 2006: perhaps the oil cooler O-rings?