keith_h
Member
- Joined
- March 2, 2014
- Messages
- 14
- Reaction score
- 0
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2001 Explorer XLS
2001 4.0L 4 dr XLS Automatic transmission ~140K miles
I have been seeing some drips coming from the area where the engine and transmission join. It is definitely engine oil that is dripping. I have checked the valve cover gaskets and head gasket and they are all dry. The oil pan is nice and tight so about the only thing left is the main rear seal. Also given the age and mileage the seal leaking doesn't surprise me.
This is our tow vehicle and we had hoped to keep it another year or two. We have a couple of longer trips in the 1.5K-2K mile range planned for this year. The first in early May. My concern is the seal failing further and ending up with problems out on the road. To date the dripping isn't enough to even register any real loss between oil changes. Replacing the seal is not the type of work I do anymore so I have gotten estimates that seem to be running around $900. While that is still less than a new truck it is a lot for a vehicle of this age.
Would it be worthwhile to try the engine oil stop leak products? My assumption is the seal will continue to deteriorate. Is this a big enough issue that it can cause problems on the road like I suspect?
Thanks for your thoughts.
I have been seeing some drips coming from the area where the engine and transmission join. It is definitely engine oil that is dripping. I have checked the valve cover gaskets and head gasket and they are all dry. The oil pan is nice and tight so about the only thing left is the main rear seal. Also given the age and mileage the seal leaking doesn't surprise me.
This is our tow vehicle and we had hoped to keep it another year or two. We have a couple of longer trips in the 1.5K-2K mile range planned for this year. The first in early May. My concern is the seal failing further and ending up with problems out on the road. To date the dripping isn't enough to even register any real loss between oil changes. Replacing the seal is not the type of work I do anymore so I have gotten estimates that seem to be running around $900. While that is still less than a new truck it is a lot for a vehicle of this age.
Would it be worthwhile to try the engine oil stop leak products? My assumption is the seal will continue to deteriorate. Is this a big enough issue that it can cause problems on the road like I suspect?
Thanks for your thoughts.