Strange thing I noticed

Damon23 · 10-04-2011, 06:39:24 AM

My car has a slight rear main seal leak. I pulled the car out over the weekend and as usual cleaned up the oil that leaked onto the tray. It was a dark oil color. The tray that is under it is metal and is clean. Yesterday I was rooting around and checked the oil level. It was fine but did notice that the oil that was on the dipstick was clean. Like brand new. So the question is why would it be dark when it leaks onto the pan but be clean in the crankcase?

usmcz28 · 10-04-2011, 07:12:26 AM

Are you certain it's not coming from the transmission seal where the torque converter goes?

RS1970 · 10-04-2011, 01:25:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usmcz28

Are you certain it's not coming from the transmission seal where the torque converter goes?

Or picking up dirt/grime off the engine when dripping?

Twisted_Metal · 10-04-2011, 02:50:40 PM

If you were an engine.... Wouldn't you spit out the dirty stuff first?

I don't think you're imagining it. I've noticed drips always seem darker than the dipstick oil too.

Damon23 · 10-04-2011, 03:34:10 PM

I thought it was strange. The motor and transmission are pretty clean but I have not removed the flywheel cover to see if it is filthy under that.

Todd80Z28 · 10-04-2011, 09:24:48 PM

Don't worry, as it gets worse, the oil will start to look fresher and fresher.

I've been lolly-gagging on fixing my rear main leak (properly, because the seal replacement didn't do it) for >10 years now. I'll probably let it go a few more.

5spd540 · 10-05-2011, 03:58:28 AM

The oil drips drive me crazy that is why I pulled the motor out of my camaro last year