Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil leak

[firefighter]

I HAVE AN OIL LEAK, COMMING FROM THE REAR OF THE OILPAN AREA, HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TODO THE REAR SEAL ON THIS ENGINE, DOES THE TRANS NEED TOBE REMOVED.

 

[BigPapa]

The rear main seals very rarely leak. We also need more info on what truck you have in order to help. Year, model, transmission, RWD, 4X4, etc.

I would start at the valve cover and make my way down. And, yes, the transmission has to come out to replace the rear main seal.

 

[NIsaacs]

Use a flashlight and take a good look for the origin of the leak. The tappet cover is suspect.

 

[Topzide]

A good cleaning, then add some oil safe dye(remember the amount of oil in pan), run some errands and the keep checking for the source of leak. As @NIsaacs stated, check from top down. Had the same issue in the 1500 gasser a few years back and drove me nuts til was reminded it could be from back of valve covers! Had a cover that was rotting out against the firewall. That poor truck has been run hard and put away wet! A piece of cardboard to confirm oil or trans fluid. Do the investigation part to solve mystery. Good luck!