Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil leak, rear main seal?

[VolsFan]

Hi, been experiencing an oil leak that is coming from where the transmission bolts up to engine. Takes a while for it to show on the dipstick, but leaves a puddle in the garage. Been procrastinating about it and now have to take it next week to Spartanburg SC area about 7 hr drive, guess it'll be ok?

 

[DavidC]

I have heard that some have traced what looked like a rear main seal leak back to the tappet cover. Neither one a 5 minute fix.

Dave

 

[Smokin' Larry]

Hey VolsFan. I really thought my rear main was leaking too. I even bought a rear main seal. My truck is an auto and I took the inspection cover off and it was dry underneath. Closer inspection revealed the tappet cover leaking at the lower rear-most corner of the tappet cover. It was running down and gathering on the bellhousing area. I had been quoted $750.00 for the rear main job.Look before you leap. Good luck.

 

[klcammie]

My 01 was doing same, I change tappet cover gasket. It came off in three pieces. Took me about 10 to change, others can do it faster but I had never pulled a VP so I took extra time with it. Now no more leak. I don't think a trip will cause any problem. Keep an eye on oil level.

 

[VolsFan]

Thanks for helpful replies. It does appear to be leaking from tappet. Appears to be a big job, does injection pump have to be removed? I'm tilling my mechanic buddies garden Friday and get his opinion . He put on a new oil pan and posi lock kit for $300 and said that wasn't a big deal so hopefully this won't phase him.

 

[RBeard]

Pardon my ignorance, I have the same problem with oil leaking out of the bellhousing, changed main seal with new clutch install. What and where is the tappet cover located so I can look for the leak.

 

[CRodi]

Couldn't find a decent diagram, I hope this you tube video came out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WPNfJSblxY

I'm not sure about the 24 valve, but your's might have an insulation cover over the tappet cover, which sometimes crumbles after several heat cycles. It doesn't do anything other than maybe reduce noise and perhaps make "oil leak chasing" more difficult.

 

[VolsFan]

That video explained a lot. I'm probably gonna farm it out to a diesel shop I deal with on this one, even though it'll cost way more.leak is really profound underneath the fuel filter and goes down to bellhousing. Really like this truck but thinking more and more of ditching it for a gasser.....

 

[klcammie]

Thanks for helpful replies. It does appear to be leaking from tappet. Appears to be a big job, does injection pump have to be removed? I'm tilling my mechanic buddies garden Friday and get his opinion . He put on a new oil pan and posi lock kit for $300 and said that wasn't a big deal so hopefully this won't phase him.

Some people have change without removing vp. best if you remove, more room to work. if you have or get the right tools not a big deal. when I did mine had never removed the vp but got thru it fine. even learned something.