unknown leak 2001 T4R

[xStePheNyz]

Hello all,

Well my T4R has sprung some kind of leak, at 117,500+ miles. I noticed it started the other day by seeing the stain drops on my driveway. At 90K when i did the timing belt thingy i also had the "cam" and "crank" seals replaced. I also switched to Valvoline high mileage 5-30 full syn at the time because the high mileage is supposed to help "condition" your seals. I am not a mechanic or engine expert....but by process of elimination (it's most likely not the cam or crank seal) what are the other possible sources for the leak? Thanks

 

[jreask]

What color is the fluid? Where in relation to the front tires is the spot? How large is the spot in what amount of time? What does the fluid smell like?
These are a few questions to let some of the smarter mechanical people on here get some kind of clue as to what is happening. Is the tranny shifting abnormally? Does the engine have a misfire at all ? Is it overheating?

 

[broncosi]

You said you switched oils. Does this mean you changed your oil? I have NEVER been able to change my oil without spilling from taking the filter off. This is the most probable if it is oil your finding.

 

[jreask]

You said you switched oils. Does this mean you changed your oil? I have NEVER been able to change my oil without spilling from taking the filter off. This is the most probable if it is oil your finding.

Absolutely right. You CANNOT keep from spilling some oil when removing the filter. The oil you spill settles on the skid plate after you re-install it and it can drip off there for several days if you don't wipe the area under the filter before you put the plate back on.

 

[xStePheNyz]

Hey guys,

I have some really good news. I took her to the Valvoline place where they did the last oil change - it wasn't the filter because the o.c. was about 2000 miles ago - it turned out to be a defective gasket (seal) that goes above the nut where the oil is drained from.

So not only was the leak not coming from the engine itself, it was an easy fix, and I even got a free oil change out of the deal.