Oil Leak on Subaru Forester

On the rocker cover or head?

Let me guess: the right-rear and left-front head corners sport what are called variable- valve actuators that have an oil pressure switch atop each. The problem is that these common oil pressure switches use a plastic core that cannot withstand the elevated oil pressure of this VVT system, and crack, dribbling oil down their sides, covering the head and exhaust with seepage. There's a fair chance that your rocker gasket and o-rings were still pretty ok, as they sit BELOW these fragile oil pressure switches. The pair do NOT necessarily crack at the same time, so just replace the $16 switch with a new one. They unscrew with any correct-size deep socket, which any wrench should have in their toolbox. Takes 10minutes on the right side, only 5 min on the left (driver's). Simple stuff....

Just found out it could be the cam plates, not a plug

Thank you.  I had the rocker gasket, Orings & valve gasket replaced 2 weeks ago, but is still leaking onto exhaust, was told could be the cam plates and said it was a specialist job

If yours is the newer DOHC 2.5i motor with a timing CHAIN (not rubber belt) then the FRONT cam cover plate is subject to weeping over time. Resealing it requires removing the motor and IS a 10hr job. Before biting this bullet I would strongly suggest switching to 10w40 synthetic oil and seeing if the weeping slows significantly or stops. If so, just keep using the higher viscosity oil. You probably have the too-thin 0w20 Subaru North America spec oil in there, and it squeezes through tiny cracks too easily. I use exclusively the international spec 5w30 synth for better summer protection. All Subaru wrenches HATE the 0w20 stuff. If you have the older SOHC rubber t-belt design then I don't know what is referred to as leaking "cam plates", as leaks in the cam end area are always from the VVT valve oil pressure switches as mentioned above. Proceed according to your motor type. Best, Ern

Hi Thank you vey much Mine has a timing chain. I have always used 5w40, but will try a higher one. Cheers Sue

Uh oh. See if the leak is from the front cam cover plate. If so it's that 10hr job...sorry!