So a few days back I noticed my car started leaking oil and the smell is really noticeable. I checked under and oil is dripping near both motor mounts. Oil filter pedestal also has oil around it too so I'm thinking maybe the pedestal orings or the dowel pin oring. But that's not the point of this thread. I would to know if an oil leak can cause oil temperatures to rise abnormally faster than its suppose to?

Before changing the oil and developing this leak, my oil temps never went over 180*F and would drop back down to 150-160*F while driving. As of right now it shoots up to 200-210 if I'm idling and won't drop down pass 180*F when I'm driving. If I coast to a stop while in neutral it'll drop under 180*F. My oil pressure is 20psi at idle, 60-70psi driving in the city and 80psi on the highway.

I'd just thought I would get you're guys opinions before I randomly start tearing down the motor to find the leak which is hopefully the cause of my high oil temps. The car only has one oil cooler btw.

 

If you have less oil, it wont cool as quickly. Its similar to running on low coolant. If you are just a little low, it wont make any difference. A lot low will.

 

This is happening regardless of how much oil I have in. I checked yesterday after letting the car cool down and added oil until it was just a little above half on the dipstick. Went for a drive and it does the same thing. I'm wonder if maybe the oil cooler thermostat maybe faulty?