Changed my oil, filters and plugs today. Noticed when I took off the splash guard a small amount of oil collected (kinda gritty/gooey, not liquid) on the driver's side of the guard.

Then when I drained the oil (plug is good not leaking,filter seemed tight enough) and took the following pics, that there was oil residue around the drain pan where all those small nuts connect it to the engine. No leaks under the car and I couldn't see any dripping. As for performance Its a 3rd gen 2001 with 170,000 miles on it so some days its hard to tell if its sucking wind or just feeling its age. No other major problems with car or engine to date.







Wondering if this is a seal or gasket issue?

IS this something I could attempt to fix on my own?

If not how much time/labor, parts, and expense is inolved?

Worst case how long can I get away with it by keeping up the oil levels? Yeah i know that is not kosher but when you are broke what are you to do. Wouldn't be changing filters and plugs in 29 degree weather on my Friday off if I could afford not to.

Thanks for any info received.