Rear Main or Oil Pan

[tecboy99]

Hey Guys, I was working on the X the other day and noticed a drip of what I'm 99% sure is oil on the lowest bolt that goes through the transmission bell housing, securing the oil pan. I can't seem to pin-point he source of the leak. From what I can see, the mating surfaces of the oil pan to the engine are all clean. But, I can't see inside the bell housing. I'll probably bring it in for an oil change soon so they can give me a full once-over. But, I thought one of you may have seen a similar issue before. If it ends up being an oil pan gasket, I guess I'll have a good project to do on a nice week this summer. What do you think?

[tecboy99]

Originally Posted by trader4

I didn't think the oil pan was secured by a bolt going through the
bell housing, but then I'm not looking at the car at the moment.
Other than that, difficult to even speculate on a leak like that without
at least seeing a pic.

Here's a couple pics.

[keduMINI]

Originally Posted by tecboy99

...noticed a drip of what I'm 99% sure is oil on the lowest bolt that goes through the transmission bell housing, securing the oil pan. I can't seem to pin-point he source of the leak. But, I can't see inside the bell housing.

If you have a mirror, try to examine the surface right below the teeth of the crank wheel (or use your finger to rub the surface) to see if oil is indeed passing through there. Also, smell oil for distinct odor that identifies dirty transmission fluid from equally dirty engine oil.

However, it appears your oil is wicking down from a topside leak (likely valve cover or oil check tube), as evidence from the oil seen in the seam of the bell housing and engine located higher than the lowest point.

[Joshdub]

I agree, it looks like its running down from above. You could try a dye test.

[tahoechallenger]

I would take a look at the oil filter housing. On my car the oil was accumulating under the bell housing as well. A new oil filter gasket fixed the leak.

[tecboy99]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I did a little investigating under the car yesterday. It's not the dipstick tube. The stain on the seem of the bell housing seems to start just below the dipstick tube. But, The connection to the is bone dry. I'll look around the filter housing. I did that gasket and the valve cover around the same time back in the fall. I do recall that I was racing the sun on the oil filter housing job. So, maybe something didn't get seated right. Is that possible?

[1iwilly]

that's more rear main than anything else.i have the same thing on my 02 x5 3.0 it is the rear main just debating on if and when i will do the job my self or get quotes.i'm stating to leave noticeable spots

[Rockit]

My 02 4.4 developed a half dollar sized leak in the same place. It started after the 5 degree weather over the winter and a frozen CCV hose.

The crank case pressure must have blown the rear main seal. I'm so exhausted of throwing money in this car I bought a black rubber door mat. I put it in the driveway and park in the same spot...problem solved $9.99.

[1iwilly]

nice idea i've been spraying engine gunk on driveway after wife goes to work by i might just do the black mat thing.LOL

Originally Posted by Rockit

My 02 4.4 developed a half dollar sized leak in the same place. It started after the 5 degree weather over the winter and a frozen CCV hose.

The crank case pressure must have blown the rear main seal. I'm so exhausted of throwing money in this car I bought a black rubber door mat. I put it in the driveway and park in the same spot...problem solved $9.99.

[tecboy99]

Originally Posted by 1iwilly

nice idea i've been spraying engine gunk on driveway after wife goes to work by i might just do the black mat thing.LOL

I'm doing the same thing. I've also been parking in the street. If my mom sees another spot in the driveway, it's not going to be good. Lol