My ‘99 Ranger 6 cylinder flex has had a minor leaking rear oil seal for many years. It now has started to leak more. I am wondering is there a simple way to at least slow down the leak without having to invest in seal replacement. I have always used Valvoline conventional 5w-30 oil from the day I bought it new. Is there a different oil that I could switch to? Or are there any additives that anyone could recommend that you have used that would help restore the condition of the seal? Will appreciate your suggestions.

 

No, the rear main seal is right next to the rear main BEARING, so ALOT of oil is flowing out of the bearing behind that seal, it WILL get worse and worse

Have to pull the transmission and replace it
Read new seal instructions, the new material they are using has certain requirements, like installing DRY, yes weird
Also polish the journal with crocus cloth to clean off any residue from old seal

 

Since I can easily say the minor leak has been in existence for at least 10 years, maybe it isn’t the rear main seal. And since I never have had to add oil between oil changes every 3000 miles, maybe I should just keep any eye on it. Right now, after 2000 miles, I am only down halfway on the cross hatched area on the dipstick. Maybe I will use a high mileage oil at the next oil change that is formulated to help with oil leaks. I only have about 112,000 miles on it. Can’t hurt right?

 

Nope, can't hurt