Anyone run without your metal skidplate temporarily?

[MPDano]

Hi All,

I am trying to troubleshoot an oli leak. About 1 quart per week. A couple years ago, I replaced the oil filter housing gasket. It never really fixed the issue, but has been getting worse. I had bought an oil pan gasket but never installed it.

I removed the fan, fan housing and the the whole air intake assembly. I just thoroughly cleaned the upper and lower part of the engine with some degreaser and my power washer. Use my air compressor to remove any water left over.

I am now waiting for the ground to dry up and was thinking of removing the metal skidplate to further clean and get a better feeling of where the leak source is.

Should I pass and see if I can find the leak without removing it? Or should I remove it and leave it off for a few days?

Really want to sort this out as my driveway and my wifes work parking place is hideous black due to this oil leak.

It's a 2004 3.0