I need everyone's help identifying the leak on my 3vze automatic. This thing has been dripping like crazy the last few months. Figuring it was likely a dripping rear main seal, the transmission was dropped. It does not seem to be the case (see pictures). The back of the valve covers are defnitiely oily but not enough to drip as much as it does. Prior to dropping the tranny, it was evident that oil was leaking from from/around the transmission coupling. The truck is sitting at the shop and waiting on a lift for my decision. In the mean time I am putting in an OEM rear main seal kit. Anything other suggestions while I am at it at this point? Thanks for the help as always.

Jorge

 

Looks like valve covers to me. Get the gaskets replaced. 3VZE's are great for valve cover gasket leaks especailly if they are not intstalled properly.

 

My vote would also be the valve cover/cam seals on the back of the heads.

The oil appears to be running down around the bell housing and then dripping down below. Your rear main is definitely not leaking, that thing looks beautiful.

You can do the valve cover gaskets with the heads on the motor. You have to pull the intake plenum to do them, but that is not as big a deal as it seems.

The cam seals are another story. I do not think you can replace the cam seals on the back of the heads with the heads in place. Someone else may have to chime in on this. I did mine when I had the heads off for a rebuild. There is a rubber coated "plug" on the back of each head that is retained by a flat plate with two screws. Picture below, the round black feature is the plug and you can see the plates that hold them in. I think you have to at least pull the cams to get that plug out, if it is the problem.

Most likely the valve cover gaskets.

 

backside vc gaskets i had the same problem perfect now

 

chances are its the rubber caps at the back of the heads. they get hard and crack and leak..

 

Thank you guys. I am going to proceed with replacing the rear main seal while I am at it. I appreciate the help as always. You guys are always a great resource.

 

might consider changing the oil pan gasket while the engine is out.

 

I had to use black rtv above & below gaskets & half moons to get mine to stop leaking. Lasted six years, now is starting to seep again.

 

i have the same problem i think my leak is coming from the valves covers and i also got a question on a motor that has been switched from auto to manual does the rear main come with gaskets with automatic or do i have to put both gaskets on before mounting the 5spd.

 

the question is are rear main seals on automatic adn manuals?