Checking for Valve Cover Gasket Leak
 

OK so I think I have a small leak coming from my transmission front seal (torque converter seal). An independent mechanic confirmed this as well. But I would like to absolutely rule out the possibility that this leak could really be a valve cover gasket leak, which after searching this forum a bit appears to be a common problem for the 4.4 V8.

So I am going to get on my back again with the mag light and look for a leak coming from the valve cover gaskets. I'm not exactly sure where to look for this. Anyone have some pictures to reference?

Is it possible to confirm this from the top of the engine? If I were to just remove the acoustical cover as shown here.

This seems like a very doable DIY job after having replaced the fuel system, and re-reouting my water bypass lines in my 300ZX.

Read this string and I believe you'll have your answer: http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...rans-leak.html

Go directly under that black bar that runs accross the engine, the one from your previous pic, and look up right under the two valve covers, you might have to lift the truck to fit in there.

I'm gonna go get some wheel ramps then from AutoZone.