Hi

After reading a previous post

https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/1605888/220/240/260/280/1990_240_threw_rod_hole_block_replies_multiple_comments.html

about a red block that threw a rod and punched a hole in the side of the engin block, probably due to severe neglect and running on 1 qt of oil ... I decided to post and throw this question out to the board.

My dear red block has steadily gone from 'leaking' about 1 dipstick worth of oil between oil changes, which appeared to be cascading down the exhaust side of the engin from about as high as the head gasket level, which I was ok living with this character. But now its about 2 qts of oil down each oil change Have to top up quite frequently. And it is now leaking on the intake side of the engine again from about the level of the head gasket.

But recently when doing a re-build welding job on the exhaust header (471$ CND at the dealership for that part !! ) at the mounting bracket and the Y-joint .. .up inside the transmission tunnel, I notice a lot of fresh oil pouring out the back of the engin and this oil looks fresh, not black from road crud, but still honey golden. And it covers everything in the passenger side of the transmission tunnel and the transmission itself and it seems to be as high as the valve cover. I've changed the little circular disk cover on the back of the valve cover about a year ago and this appears to be dry. Other than that .. is this a valve cover gasket ? is this a rear main seal ? is it the little disk circle plug at the back of the valve cover ? what are the options here ? is it time to do the head gasket job ? the oil seems to leak even higher than that at the back of the engin.

Any advice would be nice,

Have a great holiday season guys !