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Oil leak coming from the oil pan

Tiny
ROYCAR71
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 GMC JIMMY
  • 4.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 169,000 MILES
I have used yellow dye and fluorescent light to find an oil leak that appears to be coming from oil pan. What would be course of action? Thanks
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Saturday, November 12th, 2016 AT 11:28 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
That dye does not necessarily indicate the oil pan is leaking. There are a few other possible causes that will land oil in that spot like a rear main seal or even a leak from above that is running down behind the flywheel. You have to physically see the highest point of the leak and that may mean pulling the transmission or the oil pan to see where it is actually coming from.
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Sunday, November 13th, 2016 AT 6:05 AM
Tiny
ROYCAR71
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  • 354 POSTS
I cleaned oil bone dry all around the area where there was oil previously before I put the dye in I sat and waited then I saw a little droplets of oil using the UV light and glasses that is where I spotted the first signs of a oil leak. Right where you see a drop of oil at in photo.
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Sunday, November 13th, 2016 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
Yes, I am aware of what you did. That does not confirm the oil pan as the problem.
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Sunday, November 13th, 2016 AT 8:37 AM
Tiny
ROYCAR71
  • MEMBER
  • 354 POSTS
Are you there any products that can be put into oil to slow down or stop leak?
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Sunday, November 13th, 2016 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
There is no such thing as "mechanic in a can". Repairing the problem correctly is the only reliable way.
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Sunday, November 13th, 2016 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
ROYCAR71
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Thanks.
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Sunday, November 13th, 2016 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,347 POSTS
Hey Roy,

It sounds like you have a rear main seal that is leaking, the transmission will need to be removed to replace the seal, here is a guide that gives you an idea of the repair.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-main-seal-replacement-rear

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2016 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
ROYCAR71
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Thanks
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Thursday, November 17th, 2016 AT 4:15 AM

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