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Need some suggestions as to what to look at on the engine / transmission. I noticed there is a little oil on the underside of the motor around the transmission area. What typically leaks on these motors? All I can think of is the rear main seal. Hopefully more senior forum members will have suggestions. This car has less than 96k on it, I'd like to get the leak fixed before I start any engine cleaning / painting.
First I would confirm that it is in fact engine oil. Manual transmission oil is typically fishy smelling, and it is obviously thicker.
I would jack the car up, throw a couple of jack stands under there and then crawl under with some safety glasses on! (Don't want to get rust or oil in the eyes).
Anyway, if it is in fact engine oil I would check a number of things:
1) Is it coming from the interface with the transmission? (AKA leaking out from the bell housing near the starter or transfercase). If so, your culprit is the rear main seal.
2) Is it dripping solely off the oil pan? If so, it could be an oil pan gasket
3) Is it dripping from somewhere up top then onto the oil pan? If so, it could be the gaskets where the turbo oil return lines meet the oil pan or somewhere higher.
Really, the only thing you can do is crawl under there with a flash light and get more info! None of these seals are inherently hard to replace as the seal itself. However, the rear main seal is a pain in the ass to get to because it involves removing the transmission and clutch/flywheel.
Alex
Take a can of carb cleaner, and rags under with you, clean surfaces, and check back after some driving for new oil.
Thank you of for the information guys. I'm planning on cleaning the engine, was debating purple power, carburetor cleaner, simple green or brake cleaner. I'll get the mess cleaned up on the block and everything I can then keep an eye on it. Really wish I still had a lift would make it so much easier.