Leaking engine oil in the cold

So my 01' Tacoma has never has never left Southern California. Thursday I drove it all the way to North Utah, it's been down to 7 degrees Fareinheit, and the highest was 18 degrees. I'm here until this Thursday then going back to San Diego. Last night I noticed a small puddle underneath after letting it warm up. I've isolated the leak the the lower driver side of the engine. But I don't have the tools here to take off the skid plate. I started it up again today to take it out but the leak seems to be progressing. its leaked about a half quart in 30 minutes of running. Is this a common problem? I'd rather not take it to a dealer in an unfamiliar area, at the same time I don't want a 6 hour job on my vacation with cheap tools and no garage. So if its something simple I'll take care of it. Has anybody else experienced this?

 

Tighten your oil filter, see if it stops
DAMHIK.

 

Ya, definitely check the oil filter. Can't imagine a seal leaking that amount in such a short amount of time, and so sudden. I'd try to remove the skid plate, pressure wash the bottom and recheck the leak. Post some pics if you get a chance.

 

buy some tools to leave in truck, or take to dealership/shop.

as others have said, check filter. when was that changed last and by who, was it double gasketed? is it tight? hows oil pan doing? valve cover?

even a somewhat universial shop should be able to identify the main problem. hwoever a professional will know what, why, how, and what associated things should be looked at while its torn apart if its somethign severe.

 

Oil Filter
DAMHIK.
Once, at -40F, the filter leaked as if it were peeing.
Once oil got warm, leak stopped .
i know it was the filter cuz I could see it.

 

Turns out it was the filter, seemed weird to me at first. I always put them on as tight as I can with my hand and its never leaked before. Guess that's not good enough for the below freezing weather. And it would only leak until it was warm then it would always stop. Thanks for the help!