Oil weeping between head and block

[Brendanmck]

Hi all . I’m currently changing the belts on the front of engine when I noticed small amount of oil has been gathering on top of the air con compressor so after cleaning it up and further investigation I’ve discovered the source of the oil seems to be weeping from between the head and the block just ahead of the first port of the exhaust manifold. Is this cause for concern or is this the result of the car not being driven very often.any thoughts much appreciated.
Thanks.

[Monkey]

Hi Brendan,

There's a number of areas that the oil may be coming from, but the easiest to check and most common is the timing chain guide retaining bolt behind the oil filter housing. If you look down between the cylinder head and oil filter housing you will see a black headed bolt (can't remember what size), pop an open ended spanner down there and see if it's loose.
As the engine is leaning over it tracks round the head gasket and drips on the the A/C compressor.

If not might be worth buying some brake cleaner, clean off the whole area then run the engine and see if you can identify the source.

Let me know how you get on.