Leak Severity

[pbsun]

I've discovered a leak from the back of the engine where the head gasket sits, see pic. Whatever it is doesn't smell like oil or coolant, tbh it doesn't have a smell at all although it does have a slick consistency. Are there oil or coolant passages near that area? I'm not seeing any signs of a blown head gasket, no smoke, no loss of coolant or no signs of oil and coolant mixing, I've checked both the expansion tank and dip stick as well as the valve cover. Any ideas? Thanks.

[pbsun]

Btw, it's a slow leak and as you can tell by the pic it's a clear liquid hardly noticeable unless light is shown on it or you touch it.

[bmwstudent]

The only liquids you have in your engine are either oil or antifreeze. Unless you are running straight water. It looks like it may be coming from the camshaft cover plugs in the end of the head and running down to the block or possibly the valve cover gasket itself.

[meengreene30]

First determine if its coolant or oil. Possibility for leaks in that area are rocker shaft plugs, valve cover gasket, head gasket could be seeping, or one of the coolant lines. <2 on firewall, 1 on driver side at back of head. Could be any one of these and gathering at the point you are looking at. There's also a gasket at that coolant line passage on the back of the head.