Strange oil leak

Josephbnowak · Dec 10, 2024

Hello everyone, long time browser, first time user. I haven't found anyone with this leak before so I'm posting it here.

Today I've been temporarily banned from my indoor storage facility as the manager informed me that my oil leak has now progressed to "dripping as I'm leaving" and it's dropping everywhere. Before this, I laid a piece of cardboard down under the engine area because I have a minor real main leak that I intend to get fixed once I get the money, but as far as I know it's never leaked as I'm driving.

Out of sheer curiosity, I noticed this new leak. It seems to be leaking across the support bar near the transfer case. I can't see anything above it. Does anyone know what could possibly cause this leak to go this far? It's all new to me. Thank you in advance.

strutaeng · Dec 10, 2024

The seal between the transmission and the transfer case?

Fless · Dec 10, 2024

Year, make, and model? What 4x4 system (2 speed, AWD)?

Are you certain that it's engine oil?

frank1 · Dec 10, 2024

Check the transfer case/ trans adaptor. Mine had stress cracks and leaking from the top, then down the side.

justirv · Dec 11, 2024

frank1 said:
Check the transfer case/ trans adaptor. Mine had stress cracks and leaking from the top, then down the side.

The transfer case can also leak due to pump/case wear causing a pinhole leak. There is a case-saver available if needed after a spot-weld repair, or case replacement.

Mudsport96 · Dec 11, 2024

As much oil as is burnt onto the y pipe and on the transmission pan, I'm going to wager that engine oil is collecting in the cross member and no coming out when the truck moves

wjburken · Dec 11, 2024

The leak is upstream of the y-pipe as evidenced by the coating on the leading edge of that pipe. I would look at everything in front of that. Oil cooler lines, oil pan gasket, etc.

89Suburban · Dec 11, 2024

Man I don't miss that sh*t

Doubeleive · Dec 11, 2024

Josephbnowak said:
Hello everyone, long time browser, first time user. I haven't found anyone with this leak before so I'm posting it here.

Today I've been temporarily banned from my indoor storage facility as the manager informed me that my oil leak has now progressed to "dripping as I'm leaving" and it's dropping everywhere. Before this, I laid a piece of cardboard down under the engine area because I have a minor real main leak that I intend to get fixed once I get the money, but as far as I know it's never leaked as I'm driving.

Out of sheer curiosity, I noticed this new leak. It seems to be leaking across the support bar near the transfer case. I can't see anything above it. Does anyone know what could possibly cause this leak to go this far? It's all new to me. Thank you in advance.

your primary suspects are
1. valve cover gaskets
2. oil cooler line adapter plate (above oil filter)
3. oil pan gasket
4. rear main
5.. oil pressure sensor
I would go buy a couple large spray bottles of degreaser such as purple power or anything industrial strength, then go to a self car wash with the high pressure sprayers, park in the stall and pop the hood and start spraying the degreaser all over the engine and up under the engine as much as possible. then pressure wash it, you can do this safely without harm just do not spray directly into the alternator or visible electrical connectors. you will want to concentrate on getting any visible oil cleaned off everywhere you can. Then right after drive it up on some stands or use a jack and get under there with some rags and start cleaning off anything else you can see that the pressure washing did not get.
then drive it for 1 day and again get under it with a flashlight and starting looking around for FRESH oil.
my bet is most if not all the things I mentioned above are leaking, it's just how it goes.

Josephbnowak · Dec 11, 2024

Doubeleive said:
your primary suspects are
1. valve cover gaskets
2. oil cooler line adapter plate (above oil filter)
3. oil pan gasket
4. rear main
5.. oil pressure sensor
I would go buy a couple large spray bottles of degreaser such as purple power or anything industrial strength, then go to a self car wash with the high pressure sprayers, park in the stall and pop the hood and start spraying the degreaser all over the engine and up under the engine as much as possible. then pressure wash it, you can do this safely without harm just do not spray directly into the alternator or visible electrical connectors. you will want to concentrate on getting any visible oil cleaned off everywhere you can. Then right after drive it up on some stands or use a jack and get under there with some rags and start cleaning off anything else you can see that the pressure washing did not get.
then drive it for 1 day and again get under it with a flashlight and starting looking around for FRESH oil.
my bet is most if not all the things I mentioned above are leaking, it's just how it goes.

Thank you so much for your detailed response. The oil pressure sensor and valve cover gaskets were all replaced last year. We replaced I think it was called an oil cooler gasket as well... tiny little diamond shaped thing. I wonder if it's simply possible that my rear main leak has gotten worse. Either way, I'll try that and get the truck up on a lift soon and report my findings.

Strange oil leak

Josephbnowak

TYF Newbie

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strutaeng

Full Access Member

Fless

frank1

TYF Newbie

justirv

Member

Mudsport96

Full Access Member

wjburken

89Suburban

Bull in the china shop

Doubeleive

Wes

Josephbnowak

TYF Newbie

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