Leaky

[davehaynes1]

Hi guys.
Just came out of the shopping centre to my car and saw a few drops of oil.
Got under and had a look and got a few pics for you to have a look at.
I've circled where I think the oil is coming from and then dripping down and allong and then eventually to the floor.
Please let me know what you think it is.
Thanks

 

[KidVermicious]

Valve cover or rear main, likely. Wait until the motor is cool then reach down between the valve cover(s) and the firewall. If there's oil on top of the bell housing and behind the motor, it's a leaky valve cover. If not you can start swearing and kicking things.

 

[davehaynes1]

Ok thanks.
So worse it could be Leaky main. What did that mean for driving the car? Will it be OK if I just keep an eye on the engine oil and top up when required?
I've just had a new engine put in from the junk yard..... I've done 2,000km on it and the oil is still the same as when I picked the car up from them.

 

[KidVermicious]

Assuming you don't run low on oil, you can keep driving it. If you just had that motor installed though, I'd take it right back to the shop and tell them to fix it.

 

[davehaynes1]

I will speak to them soon about it. I had the work done about 1000km from where I am now so will have to take it all the way back there to have it done.
Also not sure if they will cover it or just try saying it was a used engine, I will speak to them about it though.
If it is the main how big of a job is it? Engine out again job?
Thanks

 

[KidVermicious]

If it is the rear main, you'll need to pull the motor or drop the transmission to fix it. There's no big tech involved, but it's not a small job.

Don't borrow trouble though, go find where the leak is first.

 

[Santee116]

My 95 has the same symptoms, and mine is from leaking valve cover gaskets, as others have suggested.

I'm going to have them replaced soon. In the mean time, I check the oil every time I drive it and make sure to top it off if low.

 

[HanginInUtah]

Not sure what engine you have?
My 3.0 had a couple sources: Valve covers were one source. And if you do them, make sure to use some sealant in the corners. I made the mistake of trusting the gasket alone.
And the oil cooler. It's not a fun repair, but not too expensive. Be sure to get all three o-rings/gaskets if you do it.
With 275K miles on my engine, I had to replace the tranny, and the rear main is tight. I wouldn't jump to that being the source.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Don't rule out a tranny seal either! That photo of yours looks very similar to what I had back in '06:

This is what caused the leak:

And the part that holds the seal at the front of the w56 manual transmission:

Honestly, it was much easier to fix than I thought it would be. Unbolt trans and driveshafts, slide back, pull plate out, replace seal, reverse the process, done.

I think it took me about 2 hours to do the whole thing.

And if its not that, but a rear main seal, check for a groove on the crank where the seal rides. If there is a groove, get a speedi-sleeve for the crank! It will never seal right if there's a groove (yet another issue I had a while back!).

Man, I think I've had every issue known to mankind with this truck! I just dunno why I love this thing so much...

 

[davehaynes1]

Thanks for all the responses guys, much appreciated!!
I'll try and trace the leak up the engine first of all, see if it's coming from anywhere higher up.
If that's not the case is there any way I can see if it's tranny fluid or engine oil? Obviously that will tell me if it's the main rear or tranny seal.
Thanks

 

[HanginInUtah]

I'm not sure of the products at your disposal, but when I've tried to narrow down a leak, I use a can of engine cleaner, hose it off, then brake clean if necessary. Then, you can see fresh lines and traces of the oil so you can tell better where, what color, etc.
Basic info, I know... but that will really help determining what type of oil you're seeing.

 

[davehaynes1]

I've had another look in good daylight and I think it may be oil coming from the top of the engine somewhere.
When stood infront of the car looking at the engine the right hand side is dry and clean but on the left hand side there seems to be oil down the block and bell housing.
I've got a few pics to look at and have highlighted the areas again.
Looks like it's coming from somewhere behind the exhaust pipe you can see and then dripping down.
Thanks guys!!

 

[davehaynes1]

Sorry some of them are at funny angles.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

I think you can rule out the trans seal completely. Your rubber boot is dry and dusty, mine however, was coated in oil, along with that side of the trans!