Oil leaks near the oil pump flange and above AC compressor

[flatlander]

I've been trying to track down an oil leak on my 4.4 M62. I had removed the lower cover plate and cleaned everything up with brake cleaner. Then I put in some dye for engine oil and ran the engine up to operating temperature.

The oil leak revealed itself on both the drivers side and passengers side of the engine. I've got a trail of oil coming down the drivers side somewhere above the alternator, near the oil hose flange. Difficult to see clearly there since there is a lot in the way.

On the passengers side I have a oil trail coming from above the AC compressor bracket, dropping down the hole where the oil dipstick tube passes through. It then follows the oil dipstick tube down to the oil pan.

To me this seems like the upper timing cover gaskets are leaking. I checked the passenger side timing chain tensioner and there is no leak there. The valve cover edges are clean too. I had just changed the VANOS check valves and seals a hundred miles ago, so they are clean too.

Any other ideas or suggestions? Timing chain covers? If so, should I try and tackle the lower cover and jesus bolt? or just try the upper cover gaskets?

[SlickGT1]

Have you changed your oil recently? My mechs overfilled it once because they went by what a computer told them. 20 miles later I see a leak in garage. I go back, they drain all, clean it up. Fill up proper, no more leak. Strange as hell I know.

Otherwise not sure what to suggest. You seem to be on the right track.