Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil Leak and Residue On Bellhousing

[Rebel_Horseman]

OK here's a question for ya'll. I noticed this afternoon that my truck has what I think to be a small leak coming from somewhere between the trannie bell housing and the engine. I don't think it's a big leak but there's enough oil coming out that it has a wet look and there's a fair amount of residue. I will try to get a pic of it and post it soon. Any thoughts? Is this a simple repair or will it warrant disassembly of the trannie? Can this wait until I can actually afford to replace my clutch with a SB and do the repair at one time?



Thanks,



Reb [><]

 

[ralphr]

oil leak?

You noticed the residue back on the bell housing, I assume low under the engine? prehaps it is just the breather pipe from the front, and with the fan, wind etc the residue ended up back there? I would clean it off real good, start with furthest back and work towards the front until no residue. then I would check it real close for about a week to see where it first shows up. if it is truly from the rear, could be either pan gasket or rear main seal.

 

[CumminsPower98]

My old 5-speed let a little oil out the input shaft seal once with Amsoil in it. It leaked a little then stopped. After I pulled it to install the 6-speed I found that the main shaft was loose. I figured this along with the Amsoil is what caused it to leak a little.



I say you are fine to just leave it alone until you do your clutch if it's only leaking enough to make the area damp. If it is coming from inside the bell housing it is either the rear main or the front trany seal. If it's coming from the outside then could it be the valve cover maybe?

 

[lschultz]

I would re-torque the oil pan bolts. My 00 started this and a simple re-torque stop it. Sons 99 started this too and he re-torqued them. If its not dripping I would not worry about it to much. It will make it till you replace your clutch.

 

[Rebel_Horseman]

10-4

Thanks for the help guys. Does anyone know the torque rating on the oil pan bolts off hand? Will try to tighten them up this week.



Reb [><]

 

[cam4g63]

My 2002 came factory equiped with such a leak. It turned out to be the rear camshaft plug. Just another possibility... . Typically these small leaks can wait until it's time to replace the clutch.

 

[mysteryman]

rear main seal has been updated. they all leak in the early trucks!

 

[JAlford]

Its a little hard to see, but if you can get a look at the starter ring(on the flywheel), you may be able to determine if the rear seal is leaking. I thought mine was leaking out the rear seal into the bell housing pretty good, until I pulled the trans. To my suprize, the inside was dry and no leaks at the seal-even with 95,000 on it. It turned out to be a combination of valve cover gasket and pan gasket. Careful about re-torquing the pan gasket. I made mine worse, instead of better.

Good luck,

Jeff