Rear Main Seal leaking oil?

Hi Everyone! I have an oil leak coming from the rear of the oil pan where it meets the block behind it (Transmission?) Its not a heavy leak and seems to only leak after a fresh oil change, then tapers off as I drive a few thousand miles. After all my browsing on the forum, I think I may have a RMS leak. Ive attached pictures of the leak looking at the rear of the oil pan. Also, what is the tape-like stuff thats behind the oil pan?? You can see it in the picture. Thanks!

 

Clean it up and find where it is actually leaking. The tape may be a previous oil pan leak “fix”.

 

Yeah I'm thinking it was a previous owner "fix" as well. Doesnt seem to work! Am I also missing a bolt in picture 1?

 

The RMS is a very common leak spot. Just replaced mine when I did the clutch. If you don't notice the oil level significantly decreasing I wouldn't worry about it

 

I'm adding half a quart in-between oil changes, so not terrible. I'm just worried about it possibly getting worse. Did you see your leak get worse over time?

 

I never really noticed mine going down, just thought it would be smart to replace it while in there. After looking at that picture though it definitely looks more like an oil pan issue.

 

It would be a good thing to check your positive crankcase ventilation PCV Valve and that your engine block is breathing. If by a small chance that it is clogged it can over pressure and mislead you into thinking that you have a rear main seal leak when the RMS is serviceable.

 

I just had the engine open for replacing the seals/gaskets (thought that might have been the reason for the leak) and replaced the PCV valve. So that should be okay, unless I messed it up?

 

Hey @Tpoli, did you ever figure out what the "tape"-like stuff is? Mine has it too, and I doubt we both had PO's who did the same "tape" fix. Did you resolve your RMS issue? I think I may have the same issue. I have to clean everything up down there and watch. Lemme know about that tape thing. My "tape" is coming apart, like I could just pull it off.

 

it's the seal for the flywheel housing cover

 

I don't think it would be impossible for a rear VCG leak to show down below in that area also. The rear half moons and/or the cam dummy seals could be leaking and showing up down below. It's something to rule out at least. A flexible mirror will help you check the backsides of the valve covers. My flywheel housing cover area looked similar to the OP's and I have never lost any oil whatsoever. Since doing a complete VCG job it stays much cleaner down below.