Main seal leak ??

I have just bought a 98 GU Patrol with 159,000 km's on the clock in axcellent condition but I was aware of an oil leak which i thought may have been the main seal. When i took it for a roadworthy the guy pointed out that the tappet cover gasket was leaking badly and showed me all the oil running down the back of the motor, we figured that this is where the oil was comming from and fixed the gasket as part of the roadworthy. After having it at home for a few days i have noticed a few drips of oil comming from the hole in the bottom of the bell housing. I thought that it might be oil that has come from the rocker cover and had been trapped in the bell housing and slowly leaking out but i no longer think this is the case. Is this likely to be the main seal ? Is it likely to get worse fairly quickly if it is ??

Hi mate, first off I would clean the engine thoroughly asap and then you'll be able to identify exactly where the leak is coming from and then you'll know where your at.

There is no easy way to determine if the oil is trapped oil from the leaking rocker cover or a rear main. As AB suggested give the engine a thorough degreasing and keep an eye on it.
If it is a rear main it is unlikely to get rapidly worse.

Tony

The engine was cleaned before the rocker gasket was fitted so it could be leftover oil that got into the bell housing before it was cleaned (if that is possible) but I don't think so ?? it is only leaking a small amount over night (20 cent piece size patch on the ground) but i am wondering if should persue it at the roadworthy ?? Most of the work has been finished for the roadworthy but i have to go back and get a few little things done like a chip in the windscreen etc. I have the car at home and have paid my brother in law for it and he said he would pay for any problems that arise at the roadworthy and was previously aware that the main seal may have been leaking. I don't want him to have to pay $1000 to fix the main seal if it is not going to get worse for years to come but, i don't want to have to fork out $1000 myself either ?? What to do ??

It's your call Peter. The oil leak you are describing above is very unlikely to residual oil - sounds like it is the rear main. Technically an oil leak that is dripping onto the ground is a roadworthy fail.
Maybe suggest splitting the cost of repairs with your BIL.

Tony

Yep, might be the answer.

Not to throw a spanner in the works but consider fitting a new clutch while the gearbox is out.

Tony

It's an auto YNOT.

Yep i wouldnt go changin the clutch then hahahaha

I might yet be lucky, the oil leak seems to be almost at a stop, so it might just be the oil that leaked down from the rocker cover and has gone into the bell housing ? Keeping my fingers crossed.