Oil leak towards middle of car???

[bodilx6]

I've got a bit of light brownish (looks like engine oil) dripping from the bottom "fin" close to the gearbox drain. I can't figure or spot where it is comming from. Isn't it a bit far back to be the rear main seal? I don't seem to be loosing any liquids that are measureable from e engine compartment, but again, is't just a drop now and then. All the area around the rear of the gearbox and drive shaft is smeared, but since the car has been undersealed recently, it's hard to figure what is oil and what is sealant..

 

How to troubleshoot?

[Andy Blyth]

From experience I've found a leaking rear crank seal will cover the underside of the car quite effectively. One of the symptoms was as you say drops of oil on the lower "fin" of the gearbox.

 

One thing I'd check: Are the drips coming from the fin forward or aft of the gearbox drain? I've had drips on the rearmost one which turned out to be a failed gearbox selector seal.

 

Stick an inch or so of tissue up the little drain on the bellhousing, there won't be any oil on the end of it if the rear crank seal is fine.

[bodilx6]

Cool, thanks. i'll defo try that...

[richarde7927]

I had a slight leak on my car in the middle and it was coming from the rear of the gearbox it was the prop shaft seal . about £35 from toyota . Rich.

[Mcgoo]

Another common cause of engine oil down there are the cam covers.

Either old gaskets needing replacing or can just be the cam cover bolts are loose. Check the hard to reach ones at the rear of the engine bay. The oil runs down the back of the engine and collects where you describe.