2.5 L sohc, 68,000 miles. Leaking Oil badly from above the oil pan on the rear of the engine. Could this be the rear main seal or something else? A drip every minute or so. I cant see exactly were it is coming from. any suggestions? are the rear mains a known problem area? thanks

Larry

Muskegon, mi

It's probably your rear acess plate on the back

Subaru has a updated aluminum plate now to replace the plastic one that leaks

 

 

 

 

 

2.5 L sohc, 68,000 miles. Leaking Oil badly from above the oil pan on the rear of the engine. Could this be the rear main seal or something else? A drip every minute or so. I cant see exactly were it is coming from. any suggestions? are the rear mains a known problem area? thanks

Larry

Muskegon, mi

There is a plastic piece by the rear main seal that warps. When I had my clutch replaced at 88,000 miles or so (I had the defective organic clutch which you might have also) I had the plastic replaced with metal and a new rear seal.

 

Just by the car's age you are getting ready for a reseal job soon, my 99 Forester now has 120,000 and all the seals replaced and the usual service done. It was a bit drippy about 88,000 and all the new seals and clean driveway are the cheapest joy I have gotten from the car.

Does the engine need to be pulled for this?

thanks

Larry

Larry hi

 

do you have an AT or MT ?

 

(auto or 5 speed?)

 

could be the rear main and/or rear separator plate

 

and yes, it's quite labor intensive to swap.

 

Happy Holidays

Jamie Thomas

Jamie at chaplins.com

***************************

http://www.subiegal.com

either the engine or tranny has to come out to remove the seal and seperator plate. This is why I would reccomend clutch replacement at the same time if it is a 5 speed. I would clean the engine with steam and be darn sure it was not a valve cover gasket or one of those small seals at the back of the head before I pulled an engine or tranny.

I would leave the front seals and oil pump seal until the late 80s or 90s when I changed the belt.

It is a AT car. I have the head areas nice and clean underneath. Do not see any dripping oil from the head area or from the timing belt/cam areas I think it has to be the the rear main or separator plate. Do AT cars have this plate?

thanks again

larry

Muskegon, Mi

Yep. The plastic ones were not one of Subaru's better ideas.