Looks like it's coming from above filter, yes that is an oil cooler, coolant lines going in and out. If you can't feel or see any oil coming from above it that seal could certainly be leaking. You'll have to drain coolant to get it off, if that's the case. I have no idea if the gasket is a part of the assembly or not. If not, you may be able to replace just the gasket.

 

Only a few months ago someone posted the same exact thing. I can't remember but I think the oil came from somewhere else. You need too clean everything off and go from there. That's how the other person found the problem as I recall.

Welcome to the board.

 

I see this is your first forum post, so welcome to the forum from Oregon! :biggrin:

Different year, but the repair seems to be the same http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f88/oil-cooler-leaking-how-remove-94882/#post1035415. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

Having read this link I would certainly go the pinching off the hoses method. Pretty quick job that way. But nothing wrong with a full flush of the cooling system, either, if you happen to be due.

 

thank you so much!
this is my mothers car and i was worried id have to rip a lot the front off because of the cam seals...SO glad its not the case. the link refereed seems to be the problem. it is eating quite a bit of oil and im sure this is the culprit...

thank you so much! time to research the gasket...:woohoo:

 

That oil cooler has a large gasket that is notorious for leaking. Here are a couple of PDFs that should help you make the repair. The first is a complete schematic of the lubrication system. Part #14 (gasket) is what is known to fail. The second PDF has instruction on removal and install of Oil Cooler. It should be an easy fix.

 

Sorry to drag up an old thread. I'm a new member. Super helpful info here. Everything I needed to fix the leak at the oil cooler o-ring. I'll just add one thing. I found that I could gain all the access I needed without needing to pinch off the can't lines. I simply removed the 10mm bolt holding the coolant pipe that runs parallel across the front of the engine. That made plenty of slack so I could rotate the cooler around, clean the oring groove, clean the mating surface on the block and get the new oring in place. SUPER easy.

Glad I found this thread. It made this job about a 30 minute deal.

-Craig