tajvelocity
New Member
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2010
- Messages
- 116
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Location
- CinciTucky
- Vehicle Year
- 1999
- Make / Model
- Mazduh
- Engine Size
- 2.5 Kittens
- Transmission
- Manual
99 Mazduh B2500, 2.5L, 5spd., ~125k.
I was under my truck checking out where my exhaust was leaking from because it's loud and is running a bit badly. I found that and while I was under there I found something worse: oil has made it's way down the transmission as far back as the cross member. There are some drips on the ground as well. I'm not talking about a ton of oil but it's fresh and it's noticeable. I hadn't noticed anything until the temps outside dropped into the single digits, but there were no drips where I usually park prior to that.
I read up on possible causes. I haven't replaced the PCV valve yet as I heard if that doesn't function, too much pressure can build up and force oil out. I don't think it's coming from the oil pressure switch as it looks pretty dry around it. There seems to be oil on the other side of the bellhousing I think, on the block side where the trans and block meet, but I don't think it's coming from where they actually meet. It seems wet farther up than that on the engine (drivers) side. It's hard to see anything with the intake manifold in the way and I haven't found a place where I can see if it's coming from the valve cover. I haven't checked the plugs yet (PITA, it's super cold, other excuses...) and the oil on the dipstick looks like oil (no sludge).
So I guess my main question is: what does a rear mail seal leak look like? Will it come from where the trans joins the block? So far it's either looking like it's that or the valve cover gasket, neither of which are going to be cheap. I don't think I'm prepared to drop a transmission on my street in the hood and the valve cover job looks pretty crappy too. That would be especially annoying as I just finished changing the timing belt, water pump, t-stat and radiator about 1.5 months ago and all or most of that would have to be removed again. That job took me forever because I'm no mechanic. I mean I did it and it works (heat is still a little weak ever since but I can live with that) but still.
Sorry for the long post. Just trying to get it all out there so you know what I know.
I was under my truck checking out where my exhaust was leaking from because it's loud and is running a bit badly. I found that and while I was under there I found something worse: oil has made it's way down the transmission as far back as the cross member. There are some drips on the ground as well. I'm not talking about a ton of oil but it's fresh and it's noticeable. I hadn't noticed anything until the temps outside dropped into the single digits, but there were no drips where I usually park prior to that.
I read up on possible causes. I haven't replaced the PCV valve yet as I heard if that doesn't function, too much pressure can build up and force oil out. I don't think it's coming from the oil pressure switch as it looks pretty dry around it. There seems to be oil on the other side of the bellhousing I think, on the block side where the trans and block meet, but I don't think it's coming from where they actually meet. It seems wet farther up than that on the engine (drivers) side. It's hard to see anything with the intake manifold in the way and I haven't found a place where I can see if it's coming from the valve cover. I haven't checked the plugs yet (PITA, it's super cold, other excuses...) and the oil on the dipstick looks like oil (no sludge).
So I guess my main question is: what does a rear mail seal leak look like? Will it come from where the trans joins the block? So far it's either looking like it's that or the valve cover gasket, neither of which are going to be cheap. I don't think I'm prepared to drop a transmission on my street in the hood and the valve cover job looks pretty crappy too. That would be especially annoying as I just finished changing the timing belt, water pump, t-stat and radiator about 1.5 months ago and all or most of that would have to be removed again. That job took me forever because I'm no mechanic. I mean I did it and it works (heat is still a little weak ever since but I can live with that) but still.
Sorry for the long post. Just trying to get it all out there so you know what I know.