Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Gear housing oil leak - worth fixing?

[Johnstra]

I have a slight oil leak at the gasket between my gear housing and engine block. I hate the thought of doing all the work to repair the leak if it's not really necessary. What do ya'll think? How much worse will it get and how soon. Right now it's just a bit more than a seep - no drips yet.

Thanks,

-john

 

[Bill Lins]

I think I'd pull the cover & check to see if the bolts holding the gearcase have loosened up. If they have & one of them falls into the gears, you'll have an expensive mess to clean up!

 

[Centeno1]

a mess

also mine was a seep now its about 4 drops when i stop driving and a whole lot of junk on my drive train



and really who wants all that mess? Oo.

 

[EBottema]

Oil leaks never get better. Sometimes you get lucky and Bars leak stop leak will fix the seep. Try that first, if you still have a problem, fix it. Depending on the miles on the truck, do the front main seal too. I like doing multiple repairs even if there is no problem yet since I only like getting dirty ones and spending time ripping other stuff off once. . Also, if you have not done your KDP, do it!

 

[Johnstra]

Well, I guess I better plan on spending a weekend working on the old billy goat.



One question... looking at my gear housing down near the oil pan on the driver's side, there is a casting seam. Do they all have that seam? It looks like that's where the oil is coming from.



-john

 

[GAmes]

Mine leaks also, but I personnelly don't think it is worth the time or expense to fix it. To get the housing off you have to remove the cam for sure, and probably the injection pump and vacuum pump. If you decide to do it I, for one, would like to hear how long it took and what all was involved.

 

[Johnstra]

I'm going to do it, but I'll wait till Christmas so my brother can help. Yes, the vacuum pump has to come loose, the injection pump has to be disconnected, injection pump gear has to come off, lift pump has to come out, and the cam has to come out. It is a big job for sure. Some have had success removing the cam gear and leaving the cam installed, but the safer bet seems to be to just remove the cam. I think I'll take the opportunity to bench test my pump, replace the water pump, and maybe go with an upgraded cam (no sure about that yet).

-john