Oil leak location 2nd gen

Does this look like a rear main seal leak or a transfer case leak to you guys?

Your assistance is tremendously appreciated!

2008 V6 4.0
228k miles

 

Looks like at least valve cover gaskets need done for sure and given age and miles probably needs a rear main too, have a look at the front main also.

FWIW the rear main is easy, once they trans is out of the way, that part is a bitch.

 

Rear main for sure but it looks like you also have a leak in the front of the engine (possibly front seal or timing cover?), valve covers look like they are seeping too.

 

Looks like multiple issues, to find the “worst”.
I’d clean up what I can get to.
Then add an oil dye.
That will make life much easier.
you’ll need a UV Flash Light, but you can get them pretty cheap at Harbor Freight, or pay a little more and by on at the Auto parts store.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-...v-dye-oil-atf-ps-fuel-1-oz/667635_0?rrec=true

 

Bad News: It looks like multiple leaks.
Good News: Might be effective frame rust prevention!

 

That's bad buddy. I'll try & help tomorrow. Lots of gaskets & $.

 

When I see what you have, I like to start at the top and work my way down. I’ve seen guys swap an oil pan gasket because it’s wet. Ends up being an upper leak, gravity. Next thing you know, the oil pan gasket is wet again because that tiny leak above it. It could also be possible to have leaks up high that aren’t the cause for the bottom to be wet. If it’s a free flowing leak, the uv light will confirm.

Ideally, you would steam clean it, get it thoroughly dry, put it on the lift, start it up, from underneath watch for where it’s coming from.

Since most don’t have a steam cleaner and lift, brake cleaner and a creaper work ok. Crc makes a good brake cleaner, says washing action or something on the can. It sprays out fast so a can doesn’t last long. You’ll need at least 4 cans, probably more like 10.

 

Pop out the little black plastic cover at the bottom of the bell housing. Look up inside and you will know if it is the rear main seal.

 

This is the only way you are going to locate the issue to fix it.

 

Took it to the shop, rear main and front main seal were both bad. Also had them replace the valve cover gaskets as well. $2,100 out the door.

When I picked the truck up 4 days later I noticed it starts up more aggressively and the truck feels faster / more compression.

 

Quite a bill but hopefully it's good for another 200k now

 

Yes my dream is to make it to 500,000 miles lol.