Oil leak help

94 GMC 454 3/4 4x4.

Is there a rule of thumb when trying to find an oil leak? The leak seems to be coming from the front left side of the motor while sittting in the drivers seat. Is there some sort of hose or oil pump thing on this side of the motor that could be cracked? There is so much stuff crammed into this area it is been hard to pin point the cause of the leak. The leak is not burning off any of it so it should be coming from below the exhaust manifold? I hope it is not the crank seal....The leak ends up dripping from the skid plate onto the ground, and it creates about a 8" dia circle of oil over time. I am kind of afraid of driving it because of the chance of a blow out or something major happening. Could the leak be coming from just the oil pan? I have checked the oil filter for a leak nothing. I was wondering if there is a sensor or something that might be leaking oil? Maybe the oil pressure sensor?

any help to pin point this leak before I give up the DIY attempt, and take it in to the shop...

Thanks,

Kirk

Oil cooler lines from filter or cooler are the most common issues here, pull the plate off and look.

Are you saying pull the skid plate off and take a look at the hoses? Is there a cooler that cools the oil? sounds strange.

thanks,

Kirk

I have the same rig, and yes, there is and engine oil cooler and 2 cooler lines on your truck. If you are standing at the front looking into the engine compartment, on the left (passengers) side of the rad there should be some 1/4 inch metal lines plumbed into the tank. These are the TRANSMISSION cooler lines. On the right (drivers) side of the rad there are 2 other larger diameter lines and these are your ENGINE cooler lines (not trying to shout, just to be clear). It's quite common for these lines to leak, and it should be obvious if they are (mine have leaked slightly since I bought the truck 3 yrs ago). If you pull the skid plate, you should see if they're dripping. I know NAPA sells aftermarket replacements, but I haven't tried them, so quality ??

Hope this helps