I have an 89 2.8 Trooper thats been leaking oil out of the bellhousing for awhile now. At first I thought it was coming from somewhere in the transmission because the oil level is consistantly low everytime I check it. But the engine oil is low also, though I have good oil pressure. Anyone have an idea where this leak could be coming from? Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

Rear main seal.

Michael

yup

Thanks for the quick replies, is it an involved project to replace the rear main seal?

It is not too bad after you remove the transmission, pressure plate and flywheel. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Michael

Just be sure not to put it off for too long. If it starts leaking bad it can get into your clutch and its really not fun then. I had that happen in an old ford pickup and I had to park it because the clutch never fully put the power to the tranny. An oil soaked clutch and a 300 ft lb torque engine don't work out too well.

Ugh. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Guess I might as well pull the engine and swap in a 3.4 or a caddy v8 (been looking for a good excuse anyway).

OK, I have another leak that my driveway would like me to fix. Its power steering fluid, but I cant tell exactly where its coming from. Is there a seal or something thats been known to leak that I could try first without having to take everything apart and replace?

I would start by changing the 75 cent O-ring on the distributor. They get hard and brake down after 100K miles. Then clean the area With brake cleaner. Could also be a rear intake manifold gasket (RTV) leak, or valve cover gaskets. Elimeate all upper rear engine leaks before jumping on the Rear Main Seal. Oil usually runs down hill. There is also a plate and gasket that covers the end of the cam, behind the fly wheel.

I have resealed my stearing gear box three times, first time lasted 30 min. second time 3 months. this time 9 months. Today I picked up a remanufactured box from Auto-Zone for $250. We will see.

Good luck on your search.

Well I checked the distributor and there is no oil leaking from that area. It possibly could be the intake manifold or valve covers, they are caked in grime but I didnt see any fresh oil around them and Ive got alot dripping on my driveway. I think I am going to have to pull the transmission.
Also I looked into getting seals for my steering box but they list like 3 different ones and I wasnt sure which one I might need. Maybe Ill go hit the junkyard tomorrow.
Anyway, thanks for all the suggestions Im gonna try them all till its safe to park on a driveway again.