I've been chasing oil leaks lately. Today I was going under with a flashlight and a black light looking for the UV dye I put in my engine oil. I got to this spot where the transmission and the engine meet right above the steering rack and I saw streaks of oil.


Keep in mind I have a 3rz-fe with the W59 transmission. You can see in the photo that this black plate that seems to join the transmission with the engine has a bolt missing, and when I would push on the plate black oil would come out. The black light didn't seem to pick up on any UV dye in this mystery oil, so its likely transmission fluid. Seems to be near the bell housing.

I just changed my transmission fluid, so it shouldn't be black but it is probably black from road grime. Also been having issue with my 5th gear recently, and now I might have a possible transmission fluid leak which might have been a catalyst.

Anyone know what gaskets could of failed in the area and what path that oil could be taking to get out of my transmission?

Link to photo album with more pics