oil leak - 96 jimmy

Hello all,
I turned my jimmy on in the garage and let it heat up for a half an hour and then turned it off. The next day I checked underneath and there were oil drips...

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/240769oildrip.JPG

My oil level is fine, it was only about 4 drips, but it was time for an oilchange so I went to the local Valvoline instant oil change and they said it was my main seal leaking. They also said my oil filter was wrenched on incredibly tight and it took 2 people to get it off, which is interesting because I just had it changed in January by my local dealer when I had my inspection done- they must have had some newbie do it.

I've used the search button, and it may just be lines, but what do you guys suggest?

The lowest paid guy in the service shop is the oil change guy I suspect. Several things that could seep some oil on the back of the engine. Unusual for the rear seal to start. Hard to spot these leaks though. Intake manifold, front trans seal, valve cover, from front of engine too sometimes. Maybe it's just marking it's territory?

Do you think the tight oil filter could have caused this leak? I'm thinking about complaining to that dealer for the tight filter...

I don't really trust the oilmonkees from valvoline much more, but I'm hoping it isn't my main seal.

Usually a tight filter won't leak, but the oil cooler lines do. Ant they do blow back. Before you pull the trans for the rear main seal, check high first, like the oil pressure switch, distributor, and around the intake.

Clean everything first, then you will be able to find the new oily places.
As suggested above, look high and front first...oil runs down to the places where you see the drips. Good luck!

i agree with yous as well. My oil cooler lines are leaking right now in the front corner of my engine and it drips alot. So check it.

Take a piece of paper out there and then run the engine again and take a picture of where the oil is seeping from.

Looks like it is coming from the oil pan plug to me.

We need a closer pic of this.

OK I was able to get underneath this weekend and I got another look underneath. Stupidly I forgot to check the lines where the oil filter is, but it seems like the leak is up front somewheres.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/240769oilleaksmall.JPG

This is a shot up from underneath the front of the oil pan.

I know this may be a stupid question, but is this around where the oil pump is? I've never had to worry about an oil pump before.

I let it run for about 40 mins and it didn't leak at all and the oil level hasn't dropped at since the change a month ago. What do you all think?

You sure that is oil?

Could be a front seal leak or oil is leaking by the crank position sensor which is in that area.

Yeah, it sorta looks like the front axle is leaking right there.

Where ia the crank positioning sensor?

There is an oilish substance all over my lower fan shroud. Whatever is leaking had to be in able to splash over there. I had a bad dexcool leak when my radiator had a hole in it but I don't think dexcool is oily like this substance.