SDHNTR

So my 22re has 238,000 on the ticker. It runs like a top now, but I think it leaks out the rear main seal. I'm torn. I lack the time, tools or desire to fix the seal myself. So it would be an expensive job to have a shop fix. Also, I bought this truck knowing that, due to miles, I would probably be in for a full rebuild before too long. I don't want to spend big bucks on the seal repair now, only to rebuild (thus replacing the seal) anyway in a short while. Should I just put up with the leak and wait until something more serious happens with the motor and requires a rebuild? Or should I just spring for the rebuild now, thus fixing the leak in the process? Keep in mind I use this truck in some quite remote locations as a hunting rig and really don't want it to leave me stranded. Thoughts?

SDHNTR

A bit more info:

The lousy thing was that the clutch was just replaced about 8000 miles ago, so that won't be reason anytime soon to tear in there. This leak has started the clutch job. The leak right now is not that bad from what I can tell. I get a couple nickle-quarter sized drops overnight. But it is hard to say as the oil gets splattered around after driving.

What is also interesting is where the oil comes out. It may be splattering oil inside the bellhousing. The oil is not just coming out the bottom where the little hole at the front of the bellhousing is. It is leaking out between the bellhousing and the plate at the back of the oil pan, but up and down the passenger (right) side only, from top to bottom. It is also even leaking out of the hole where the clutch fork comes out. The left side shows no leakage. Why might this leak only show up on the right side?

Anyhow, I can't have this truck leave me in the boonies. The last thing I want is this leak getting worse and killing my clutch or something else, plus, it just plain bothers me!

swampfox

It might be the D shaped seal under the valve cover leaking. Before you do anything take it to the car wash and give it a good cleaning ,it might be a easy fix. Oil will blow all over the place over time. Start simple then panic.

SDHNTR

Back of the valve cover? I was planning on doing a valve adjustment anyway so I'd imagine a new valve cover gasket would fix that right? I guess I don't understand how a valve cover gasket leak could come out the bellhousing though.

swampfox

It might have a rear main seal leak, but if the valve cover is also leaking and you can repair it that might cut the oil usage down to where you can wait on the rear main.