Oil Pan vs. Rear main...

[NoFlipping]

Is there a fairly reliable way to distinguish between a rear oil pan seal leak and a rear main seal leak? I mean they're right on top of each other.

Thanks...

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

With a nicely worn clutch, a rear main seal leak will often look like mud. As it draws some of the clutch disc dust with it.

 

[NoFlipping]

What if clutch wear isn't a big issue? Any other tell-tale signs? I'm just debating which of the repair routes to follow - wanting to avoid doing both if possible.

 

[Mike Kopstain]

It's a difficult call. There is really no "tell-tale" sign per-say. It's a good idea to replace both seals, though neither are fun.

 

[NoFlipping]

Thanks, Mike. I've searched the old posts and it seems the concensus is that it tends to be the rear oil pan seal that leaks. I'll probably try that first and it it doesn't take care of the problem, I'll do the rear main when time for a new clutch.

Here's to all the old posts. :thumbs_u:

 

[NoFlipping]

UPDATE - Well, I picked the cheaper route to repair- the oil pan seals - and lost. Rear main is the culpret. Kinda surprising considering the miles (48K), maybe not considering the age ('95). So looks like Daddy's gonna have a clutch job done to get at a $20 seal. DOH!

I just did the valve cover gaskets the other day (we finally had a nice warm spring day here in Detroit), so maybe I shouldn't be surprised that ALL the rubber is coming to its end.