oil leak from bottom driver's side of engine

[goatmonkey]

Still sorting out all the leaks in this car. Valve cover seems alright, oil drain bolt replaced. I'm still seeing oil drip from the bottom engine side of the transmission, ie the edge of the "bell" with the metal cover that faces the oil pan. It doesn't seem to be running down the side of the pan itself but I looked between the transmission and oil pan with a mirror and i'm seeing some seepage around the back corner of the pan so I'm hoping it's just that.

Does this sound like the pan gasket needs replacing or is it more likely the rear seal? It looks like engine oil to me but I don't know what the transmission fluid looks like and it's a "sealed unit" ('98 model, automatic) so I can't check if it's low. How big a pain is removing and reinstalling the oil pan? it doesn't look that bad since there's no crossmember in the way like the last time I had to do something like this but these things are never as easy as they look.

[fil1973]

it usually is just the sump gasket leaking, but you will need to remove it first to match it up with the new one, as there is 2 types fitted,

one with a baffle plate attached to the gasket,
and one with out,

[goatmonkey]

Originally Posted by fil1973

it usually is just the sump gasket leaking, but you will need to remove it first to match it up with the new one, as there is 2 types fitted,

one with a baffle plate attached to the gasket,
and one with out,

where on the engine is that exactly?

[fil1973]

it is the gaskets that are different, you will notice this after you have removed the sump pan from the bottom of the engine,

[goatmonkey]

Originally Posted by fil1973

it usually is just the sump gasket leaking, but you will need to remove it first to match it up with the new one, as there is 2 types fitted,

one with a baffle plate attached to the gasket,
and one with out,

is what you're calling the sump gasket the same thing as what I'm calling the oil pan gasket or is it an additional gasket? Dumb question but I get the feeling i'm losing something in the communication process.

[fil1973]

Originally Posted by goatmonkey

is what you're calling the sump gasket the same thing as what I'm calling the oil pan gasket or is it an additional gasket? Dumb question but I get the feeling i'm losing something in the communication process.

yes mate, thats the same part, i forgot with me being from the uk,

hope this helps you mate,

[Stygr]

I was leaking oil from the sender unit on the driver's side of the head. Dunno if it helps.

[goatmonkey]

I've replaced the oil pan and valve cover gaskets and don't see any drips yet (fingers crossed) so it was most likely some combination of the two of those. But I'll keep the sender in mind if anything else develops.

[keehn]

To add to the conversation...

Several weeks ago, I had the same relative issue, oil was leaking down the driver-side engine block where the bellhousing connects. When I was changing out the clutch, I pinpointed the problem to the head gasket. When I pulled the head, the gasket was COVERED with oil in that area. Even the head bolt was wet (all other bolts were clean but that corner).

After replacing the gasket, no more oil leaks for me