small fluid leak (1 Viewer)

[frode]

I noticed this morning that my (look at that calling it mine again, don't tell my wife) '96 Cruiser with 88k is dripping mayb 1-3 drops overnight from what appears to be a crossmember of somesort under passenger side below driveline. (crossmember goes across and kinda drops into a "U" shape to clear the driveshaft it appears) ANy help is appreciated, or if I need to reinspect something to get you more info let me know.

Thanks Brian

 

[Beowulf]

What kind of fluid?

-B-

 

[frode]

I am no expert "yet" but it appears to be oil, is there an easy way to tell??

 

[Beowulf]

That's a start. Fuel would smell like gasoline, coolant would have a sweet smell, gear oil has a distinctly different smell than engine oil. ATF has more of a red color. Break fluid has yet anoter smell.

Is it a very thick "oil"? Could it be grease mixed with gear oil?

Can you tell where it is leaking from? You're probably going to have to get under the truck and get dirty to help us diagnose the source of the leak. The first thing we need to know is what type of fluid. On the PS it could be tranny fluid, grease from the knuckle, fuel from a stuck injector, coolant from the rear heater, brake fluid from a leaking caliper, transmission fluid, or engine oil from a valve cover leak or somewhere else.

-B-

 

[frode]

appears to be oil, no odor, and it looks like its coming from between the tranny bellhousing and the engine??? Rear Main????

 

[Beowulf]

See post #8 by CruiserDan in this thread.

Robbie has posted details on how to detect if it is a rear main or the oil pan. There is an inspection plate. Let me know if you can't find his posts in the archives and I will assist with your SEARCH criteria.

-B-

 

[frode]

Based on what I am reading there, I think I will analyze the leak through the next 500 miles, dipstick still reads fine, and it is leaving like the size of a nickel on the floor at night. I didn't find where Dan tells how to tell if it is the pan or rear main though, help there would be appreciated..

 

[cruiserdan]

Most often it is the arch leaking and not the rear main. You can remove the plastic cover on the front face of the bellhousing and use a mirror and a flashlight to look up inside at the back of the crank and at the flexplate. If the main is leaking you wil see some "slinging" effects. If the crank is dry it is the pan arch.

If it is the arch the oil pans will need to come out. This process will require loosening the front engine mounts and raising the engine about 2-3 inches. This will also require removal of the engine fan and a few other bits to keep from breaking them when the engine is lifted. In addition the front sway bar and the LH frame bracket for it will also have to come out and the front suspension will need to be "unloaded" to gain clearance between the axle housing and the engine.

This job can be flat-backed but it is a difficult task. It is a lot easier if you have a hoist available. Count on at least 2 full days if you are going to flat-back it.