Matthew Brown wrote:
>
> I have a small oil leak somewhere and I am having a very hard time
> diagnosing the location. I do know that when I open the hood there is
> always a few drops of oil on the hood right above the power steering
> fluid drive wheel.
> I am pretty sure that it is oil and not power steering fluid-- it is
> darker in color than the p.s. fluid.
> Since this location on the hood is directly above the belts, I assume
> that there is an oil leak getting onto one of the belts and being flung
> onto the hood during driving.

The most likely causes are a leaking valve cover gasket, leaking cam seal,
or leaking front crank seal (note that the head gasket can also leak oil but
this is less likely). In either of these cases it sounds like you have a
large leak. Oil leaks in this area are problematic in as much as oil can
get on the timing belt which dramatically shortens its service life.
Failure of the timing belt can lead to mechanical engine damage, e.g., bent
valves. In short, it would be best to get the oil leak and timing belt
inspected as soon as possible to ensure that the engine keeps working.

Eric