Hear's the deal last November i had the seal in the trans replaced and at the same time I had the rear main seal replaced as well. After that was complete,the oil was changed and the machanic put green dye in the oil to check and see if there were any other leaks.

Recently I have noticed a slow oil leak with a slight green coloration but the mystery is that I have had an oil change since the previous one. I tightened all the oil pan bolts and it's still leaking. Where from???? No IDEA!!

Could this be coolant? I don't think so, there's no smell and my coolant isn't low, ....there's no water in the oil, ....and no smoke when the engine is running.
Could the main seal still be the problem? And what is this green stuff, DYE or COOLANT?

So, anyone got any ideas cuz' I'm at my wits end!!!!!

 

I'm guessing the rig in question is the 88? 22re motor in that or do you have the 3.0?

Where is the oil leak manifesting? Is it in the front of the motor, back, off to one side?

Oh and I have no idea how long that dye will stay in a system so I can't really help you with that. Sorry.

 

It's a 22rec 4cyl. The oil is coming from the rear, on the back end of the oil pan and the front of the trans. I wipe it dry drive it and it's wet again!

 

valve cover gaskets can leak pretty badly, and run down back there if their leaking at the little semi-circle at the rear of the head

just a thought

 

To eliminate any thought of a coolant leak, throw a pressure tester on your radiator. To check for oil leaking, leave the truck running (neutral and e-brake on obviously) and crawl underneath and patiently wait for it to drip into your eyes, or mouth...whichever is closer.

 

I change the valve cover gasket last summer but you never know. I will make sure to look that over. I'm just going to be so Freakin Mad if the rear main is leaking after being replace 5 months ago! I do think my oil pan is leaking but not 100% sure. It nevers ends!

 

Pressure tester? Is this a common tool or should I have a mechanic do this.

 

It's not all that common for the average joe to have in his tool box, but it is handy... You can test the entire coolant system for leaks, it pressurizes the system and the coolant will piss out of any holes, and gauge drops if the system isn't holding pressure. You can also test your radiator cap with it. You can have a mechanic do it, it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes, and it will instantly tell you whether it's coolant leaking or not.

Also, next time it's leaking, stick your finger in the puddle and just taste a tiny bit. Coolant has a sweet sugary taste to it, where oil has a..well, it tastes like burnt oil. lol

 

Yep oil sure does taste good! I never have really found a puddle, just wet areas. I will check that out Thanks for the info. Also the Pressure tester can you pick that up at Autozone, Napa and how about $$$ !

 

I got mine from Autozone a while back... I paid around $100 for mine, you can get them online for like $65. They're worth it if you turn wrenches for a living...

 

I always like any reason to buy a new TOOL!

 

Why would anyone use a green dye in the oil? I've NEVER heard anyone do that.

For one- an oil leak doesn't require any color to show it...
... two, coolant is typically green so ... now you have a green leak and can't tell if it's oil or coolant... and to top it off, it's coming from the rear of the engine where several coolant passages run through or near.

 

That was how I felt when he told me what he did, I was in florida at the time and the trans was dumping fluid and my mom said the guy up the street he does good work (famous last words) and the rest of the story is a Mystery Green!!!

 

Take Abes word for whatever he happens to recommend... He has never steered me wrong yet hahaha

 

Will do!! Many Thanks to everyone and you're input. I hope I have an answer some time soon!

 

Rear Main Seal?