headgasket question

[carpunk]

would an oil leak on a 95 sohc be a headgasket problem

[KatWoman]

Depends on where it's coming from. If it is near the left rear corner of the motor near the tranny, then most likely. If the HG has gone pretty bad you could be leaking anywhere. Another way to tell is to open your radiator cap. If you see a foamy white substance or what looks like chocolate milk in your coolant, then definitely yes. If you aren't sure where the leak is coming from, put a piece of white posterboard under you car for the night after you have driven. Make sure to mark where the tires rest so you can have a general idea what area the drips are coming from.

[Anaudiophile]

In all likelyhood it is the headgasket, especially if it hasn't been replaced before. To tell if it has been replaced, jack it up and support it with some jackstands. Then look at the gasket from underneath at the back. If the gasket sits flush with the head/block surface then you've got an original gasket and they are very bad for leaking. If the gasket sticks out @1/2 an inch then it has been replaced.
In this case check the cam sensor at the back of the cylinder head. The o-ring seal underneath it can be a source of an oil leak as well. Not all people change the o-ring to the updated one when doing the headgasket. Disconnect the connector to the cam sensor and remove the 4 10mm bolts that secure it to the cylinder head and check the o-ring. It should be green in color, if it is light blueish then it is the original style and should be replaced. There should be a streak of engine oil coming from the bottom of the cam sensor to be sure it is a source of leakage.