2005 V8 SR5 oil leak near filter

[parsky1]

I’m trying to track down an oil leak on a 2005 v8 SR5. Oil is all over the place from the filter back. Upper part of engine looks fine. The filter itself seemed relatively clean. I friend suggested oil cooler seals but I don’t think these have one?

 

[xtremewlr]

That leak looks like it's coming from higher up. You can see some oil ready to drip off the bottom of the AC compressor in that picture. You sure the valve covers aren't leaking?

Also, why is that oil filter dented? It's shouldn't be unless it was removed and then reinstalled. It looks like someone used channel locks on it to remove it and then maybe reinstalled it for some reason. Your oil leak might be because the filter isn't seated properly and it's coming out from there.

My suggestion is to do an oil and filter change, clean up all that oil as best you can and then install a new oil filter. Watch for leaks over the next few days and see if it comes back. The oil filter should be seated and then turned at least 1/4 turn further once seated to be properly sealed.