Oil Leak from top of lower manifold

[Hot-Rod]

Hi all and happy new year.

For the past 3 months I've been observing a small oil leak from a bolt which attaches the lower manifold to the block causing oil to pool on the top of the engine next to injectors 1 and 3. I've also noticed a small leak as well at the back of the engine which runs down the transmission on the passenger side of the engine. See pictures. Oil leak seems to be seeping through the bolt at a relatively slow rate. I did a search on here of possible causes and came to the conclusion it's probably the inlet manifold gasket letting go. I am suprised as the cars only done 90,000 Km's and most of the cars with inlet manifold gasket leaks are VT or VS. Further looking into the problem I've also noticed a very small amount of oil getting into the coolant. Coolant was replaced only 2 - 3 months ago with Castrol quality stuff and flush. Oil is collecting on the bottom of the radiator cap which was changed at the same time as coolant replacement. Also on the coolant dip stick I can also see specs of what appears to be oil.

So just after some opinions as to possible causes before I go out and spend $200 bucks on a new gasket, coolant, thermostat, carby cleaner just to find out this isn't the problem. Is there any chance I could have a blown head gasket or worse cracked head as I am having a slightly abnormal idle which has been for several years.

Thanks for any advice given!

[Cashman_309]

Lower Intake Manifold (LIM) Gaskets are plastic from the factory and often fail causing your symptoms.
I haven't done them before personally but I dont think it would a massive job on an ecotec.
Make sure you buy metal replacements, then you'll never ever have to worry about them again.

[pablo]

Go over the hold down bolts with a ring spanner. I found several on mine were a tad more than finger tight. The down side is tightening mine didn't stop the oil in the coolant. Been leaking into coolant for around 6 years now. I occasionally wipe the oil from under the radiator cap and keep driving. Never more than a trace.

[Hot-Rod]

Thanks for the advice. Guess i'll be spending a day under the bonnet with bits and pieces. Any suggestions on which product to buy regarding the gasket?? The MACE ones are aluminium however bit pricey.

[Cashman_309]

$110 is nothing considering your doing it yourself and will never have to worry about them again