Hey everyone, I noticed the bottom of the belly pan had some kind of oil residue on it, so I took my STR over to my mechanic and once he checked it out on the lift, he noticed a slight A/C compressor oil leak thats one problem, 2ndly he took off the circular plastic cap from the bellhouse and finger swiped in there and noticed oil. He couldn't tell if it was Tranny oil or Engine Oil from the "REAr main Seal" or possibly the "Front Seal for the Tranny". I have synthetic engine oil which is clear as well as the ZF Tranny fluid is clear as well not red in color to distinguish Anyone have any ideas, and if it is the Rear main seal leaking, I might as well get the Front seal for the Tranny replaced as well?? Is there any other seals I should replace since I may have to remove the tranny to get to the REar Main Seal, such as Camshift seals???
P.S Is there any other Alternatives like any Additives that seal the REar main Seal that is safe to use and which actually work on our cars to stop the leak?
Thanks in Advance for all your help.

Cheers!!

 

Well I would just watch it for now. This is the first time I have ever heard of an 4.2L V-8 NA or SC with a rear main leak. Or for the ZF tranny to need a front seal?

The A/C compressor can leak too but it usually has a greenish color to the oil. Check with a white rag to see the color. On my 2005 STR I have a small bit of oily residue on the transmission cooler lines and this is in the same general area as the A/C compressor.

So use solvent and clean all the oil off of everything. Including the belly pan. Then drive for awhile drop the belly pan and see what you have. The transmission cooler lines where the rubber meets the metal are known to weep a bit. They usually don't get real bad BUT the lines are a SOB to change!
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Anyone run into this problem on their STR or S type?

 

jag79, like clubairth1 says; wipe her clean and monitor. Though the 4.2 S/C is made form high quality components, I'm thinking our 8 year old STR's will seep a marginal amount of oil(s) from the seals. I change the engine oil every 3k as a means of maintainance and to stave off oil starvation.

 

@Jag79, did you find the leak. I also have oil leaking in the bell housing. Could the valve cover gaskets be leaking and dripping in the bell housing of the transmission?

 

I thought it was the rear seal in my 00 S Type as it also collects in the bottom of the bell housing but I confirmed it's the drivers side cam gasket leaking dish the block and pooling in the bell housing.

Waiting until spring to get the cam cover changed out with a new Jag replacement..

Its a small leak. A few drops when standing but will be rectified nonetheless...

 

It can be valve cover leak. I will diagnose leak tomorrow.

 

@ Jag 79, I have had issues in the past with gaskets or seals leaking on vehicles after they have sat and not moved for a while. Because of some suspension issues I let my 2003 4.2 S-Type sit for a couple of months until I got it repaired. I normally drive it daily. Now it has developed a light engine oil leak at the bell housing. I've cleaned the immediate area and took for granted that it was a rear seal. It is good to hear that the rear seal is not known to leak. Now that the car is back up I will monitor the leak and try to chase this down. Man, I'm really hoping this isn't a rear seal.