I6 rear engine seal leaking?

[floridafitz]

Have a very slow oil loss which is originating somewhere near the rear of the I6 from below. No indication above. My oil pan plastic shroud cover is lightly coated to the backside with a couple of droplets forming. I thoroughly degreased shroud at last oil change. Don't have a lift so it's difficult to zero in on. My oil pan nut is tight and I change the oil myself. Is there a rear main bearing seal that could slow leak, and if so is it a reasonable cost fix if I can't DIY. I'm at 182K. Thanks.

 

[Mooseman]

Like just about any engine, there are only two ways to fix a leak on the main seal: either you remove the engine or the tranny to get to it. And on these engines, you also need to remove the oil pan, which in the 4x4 is not easy with the axles. Unless it leaks a lot, I'd just leave it.

 

[floridafitz]

Late closing this out. Just had several items taken care of...new engine mounts (second replacement set...first at 90k miles, now at 185k...both oem parts....HUGE improvement), rear links, fuel filter. Mechanic traced a small oil leak to the oil pressure sensor/sender, which I could not see from above. Put in a new one, hopefully that does it. Hate to say it, but most of this work was above my DIY pay grade. Next up, replacing the drivers door check. Will be my first time removing the door panel to get access. Got my non marring pry tool at Harbor Freight and OEM door check on eBay for about $40 less than dealer.

 

[The_Roadie]

...Hate to say it, but most of this work was above my DIY pay grade. ...

Don't apologize. EVERYBODY has a threshold caused by environment, tool load, physical ability, experience, and availability of local backup/mentors. The owners who need to outsource everything tend to not need to discover self-help forums, so the average here is higher than the general population. But we're not all professional shop techs, mostly experienced amateurs with varied talents. There are a lot of things I have to quit doing as time goes on and I can't bench press an axle anymore. I can no longer satisfy my wife six times a day, either. Unless five of the times I satisfy her involve things like vacuuming or folding laundry. And the other one is cooking dinner.

 

[floridafitz]

Can totally relate Roadie....on everything Hate the physiology of muscle mass conversion to lard, for lack of a better word. Aging is not for wimps!