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My Ranger started leaking in July and it's taken this long to get me to this point. Thought it might need oil filter replacement, took it to Valvoline & was told rear main seal and possibly transmission. Next stop the mechanic (I started using without issue in January '20). He said the oil wasn't cleaned off by Valvoline & he cleaned it off so it's fine. Did not tell him that Valvoline didn't change the oil when I took it there. Sounded suspicious, but I gave it a week. Still leaking. Took it back to mechanic who now said oil pan gasket needed to be replaced. Specifically asked about rear main seal and was told no. Got that repaired, still leaking. Took it back to the mechanic again. First he said rear main seal which is when I pointed out to him that's what I brought it in for in the first place. He looked at it again and then said it was residual oil and cleaning fluid that had "gotten up into the transmission around the flywheel", it was leaking "residual oil from the original leak" and it would be fine. I didn't buy into that and left.
About 200 miles later, still leaking. Took it to Valvoline, different people than the first time looked at it and told me rear main seal and transmission. Took it to a different Valvoline, told them it was "leaking something" and they said rear main seal and transmission. I know they aren't certified mechanics, but consider it recon since around here there's a $50 to $80 charge just to put it up on the rack at a shop.
Fluid levels on both oil and transmission are good, and they were before all this started. Huge piece of cardboard underneath to catch drops and monitor amount. Pictures attached include one from my parking lot and the other from Valvoline.
I don't even know what my question is, but insight would be helpful. Do these photos even show where the rear main seal is located?! Thanks!
The picture is the oil pan which is now covered in oil. Found a mechanic who didn't charge too much for the diagnostic. Definitely rear main seal and he doesn't see how anyone could have missed it. Gave me a reasonable estimate. Now I just have to get my $$ back from the first guy!
I find it hard to believe there is that much oil on the front of the transmission pan, and yet the transmission bellhousing looks relatively clean. But hopefully the rear main seal fixes your issue.
09-17-2020
