What is leaking? (pics inside)

[Hank3]

Noticed some drops of what I think is engine or tranny oil this past week. The leak seems to be coming from where the transmission attaches to the engine, but I'm not 100% certain. I've been letting the oil drop onto cardboard and whatever is dripping seems to dry up and look like black paint, which leads me to think it isn't engine oil. But since my automotive knowledge is pretty basic, I could be easily wrong. Any idea on what is leaking and what needs to be replaced (gasket)?

 

[RABID_MP5]

I'm thinking rear main seal. Mines been bad for years. You might try to keep the oil level at 1/2 or below and see if the leak diminishes. I'm still waiting for the clutch to wear out (or get oil polluted LOL) before fixing it.

 

[Hank3]

I just changed the oil last week to a high mileage 5W-30. Wonder if that had anything to do with it.

In any case, I was afraid it might be the rear main seal. What would keep the oil at a lower level determine?

 

[RABID_MP5]

I have found that keeping the level at full, I end up with more leakage from the bell housing than if I keep it lower. Basically I had spots on my floor that stopped when I went to like 1/4 over the add mark. (Tho the engine/tranny bottom was still always wet with oil) But this means really watching your oil level, since you are still leaking (and burning) oil.

 

[MrGiggles]

No fluids in your car should soldify into tar like that. Unless it's reacting with the cardboard or something.

A leak from that are is most likely the rear main, but the oil pan and anything above can leak down and drip there.

 

[pb4ugotobed]

that looks like nasty motor oil. but judging by the color i'd guess rear main.

Best way to determine is to smell it. then compare that smell to either the engine oil or trans oil dipstick (assuming you have auto trans) if you're unfamiliar with what either fluid should smell like.

If you have a manual trans, and leaking gear oil then there will be no question what old nasty gear oil smells like

 

[Hank3]

It's a MT and upon seeing the drops the first time did a smell test. Definitely not tranny oil.