W123 Oil Leak on top of Oil Pan

[pitofpity]

I've been chasing an oil leak which drips from the transmission cooler line tab attached to the passenger side oil pan. I assumed it was the turbo drain line (which it is not), but discovered that it was a disconnected oil separator line which I reconnected with new o rings.

Oil leak persisted, so I thoroughly cleaned the engine to find the leak. After running the engine, the oil I am seeing is on top of front passenger side of the oil pan - right around the two bolt bracket that holds the AC line. Upper oil pan is clean all around that area. I did notice that one of the upper oil pan nuts on the furthest front passenger corner being covered in oil. It is right behind the balancer on the passenger side. Engine looks clean all above.

[BillGrissom]

Most likely one of the oil drains. Clean well and watch. Rubber bushing for turbo drain hardens. Cheap replacement but a bt tricky so search.

[pitofpity]

It's very strange, but area around the drains is dry and the oil is pooling on the front of the oil pan (an inch or so away from the drains). I'll do more poking around tonite.

[pitofpity]

I found the culprit!!! Apparently previous owner or mechanic did not include the spacer at the transmission tab bracket held by one of the oil pan bolts. It was loose. I made a spacer and voila - no leaks. For now.
I'm just amazed that it must have been some capillary action that brought oil on top of the oil pan in that area.

[rocky raccoon]

Thanks for coming back with the solution.