Name this leak! 1998 986
 

Can someone please help me identify where this leak is coming from. This is my first time opening the lid to the engine compartment and I found a bunch of oil like substance build up on the top of the engine (seen in the pictures below) this vehicle is knew to me so I'm trying to make up for any previous maintenance that wasn't completed.

Any info helps!

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Kinda hard to tell because it is so spread out. I would suggest cleaning it up and checking it again in a week or so to see if you can get a better idea of the origin point.

I would also check and see if you can feel some vacuum from the oil filler tube. Just take off the cap and put your hand over it with the engine at idle. If you can feel a pull that may point to a failing air-oil separator (AOS).

I had a similar situation and it was power steering fluid. Definitely worth a check.

^^^ What Tom says ^^^
Check the power steering fluid reservoir (the black cap @ 4 o'clock in picture 2) and top up with Pentosin fluid.

Thank you gentleman! I will take your advice and clean the area and then look into the power stearing leak.

Was it the resavor that was leaking for you two^ Or the lines that come out of the resavor?

If the reservoir is overfilled and the oil gets very hot, the oil gets blown out of the overflow and - well you can see the result.
You will see the dipstick has HOT & COLD markings, I always look at mine cold , not that it makes any difference.... Just make sure the oil in the reservoir is @ the correct level, too low and you risk a damaged PS pump.

Extend the P/S vent hose down below the engine

Good advice.....thank you!