Possible oil leaks at rear of Engine?

[fly1747]

Hello,
Can you guys give me a few ideas of what could be leaking toward the
rear of the engine? 2.2L Outback with 104,000 miles. I am getting oil
that drips on the Y pipe and stinks when I come to a stop as it burns
off. Everything toward the front of the car is clean, I just did a
valve cover gasket that was dripping pretty bad and thought that was
the problem, but apparently I still have a another leak.

Thanks as always for the help,
Matt

 

[pheasant]

Hello,
Can you guys give me a few ideas of what could be leaking toward the
rear of the engine? 2.2L Outback with 104,000 miles. I am getting oil
that drips on the Y pipe and stinks when I come to a stop as it burns
off. Everything toward the front of the car is clean, I just did a
valve cover gasket that was dripping pretty bad and thought that was
the problem, but apparently I still have a another leak.

Cam carrier, rear main, oil pan, take your pick. Santa is doing my 86
1.8 this year. Needed a new clutch, so what the heck, about half apart
anyway. Yeah, Mobil 1 at -10F smell at the traffic lights is bad! PU!

 

[Rick Courtright]

that drips on the Y pipe and stinks when I come to a stop as it burns
off. Everything toward the front of the car is clean, I just did a
valve cover gasket that was dripping pretty bad and thought that was

Hi,

About the only thing at the rear of the engine's the rear main crank
seal. They don't leak very often, but when they do, they'll get oil on
the clutch or you may find leakage at the bottom of the bell housing
(auto or manual.)

More likely, there's still a leak at the front that's allowing oil to
migrate backwards and drip off onto the Y-pipe. Cam seals are one of
"the usual suspects" as is the front crank seal. Did you give the engine
a good "bath" after doing the valve covers to get rid of any residual
mess that could still be dripping? I've had situations where there was
enough goo left from a bad leak that it took a couple of weeks to get it
all burned off.

Another possibility is an inner CV joint boot w/ a tear, throwing grease
on the pipe or front cat. That's a horrid smell...

Rick

 

[Edward Hayes]

I believe there is a rear block cover that has been mentioned as a
possible leak source. The origin was a non-metallic plate that was
later changed to an Aluminum one. I don't remember what year/model the
material was changed. In either case the engine must be dropped.