Oil leak, Real Main seal?
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 4:01 pm
My M38A1 appears to only leak oil around the front(bottom) of the bellhouse when I turn the engine off, not while its running. Is this the rear main seal?
Hi Raider, chances are it is oil leakage from your rear main or possibly the cam's rear welsh plug.. Though best to take a smell of the oil residue you mentioned to rule out gear oil that could also migrate from your trans to the same bottom area of your bell-housing.
The Gear oil (transmission /transfer case) has a distinct sour/burnt scent.
Are you seeing noticeable motor oil loss between changes?
Are you experiencing clutch-slippage?
Any evidence of oil residue along the rear of the oil pan?
keep in mind, you may have a leak elsewhere that may migrate to the bell-housing by turbulence when vehicle is driven.