95 Avi oil leak

[50poundbrain]

OK, I got the flashing O/D light under control and got it inspected. Now I'm turning my attention to the oil leaks. Both valve covers leak and one form the engine/trans seam. The flex plate isn't wet, so I don't think it's a rear main, but what does oil coming from a gap aft of the flex plate inspection window cast into the trans housing face?

[artbuc]

Originally Posted by 50poundbrain

OK, I got the flashing O/D light under control and got it inspected. Now I'm turning my attention to the oil leaks. Both valve covers leak and one form the engine/trans seam. The flex plate isn't wet, so I don't think it's a rear main, but what does oil coming from a gap aft of the flex plate inspection window cast into the trans housing face?

Before you start doing anything big, pull your PCV valve and make sure it is clean and working well. They need to be serviced on a pretty regular basis. When they clog, the crankcase pressurizes and pushes oil through the valve cover gaskets. I would never have believed that until I experienced it myself firsthand. Also, it you have the original PCV valve grommet, it is surely hard and cracked. You can get a new one at the parts store for $2. Removing the old grommet without allowing chunks to drop in is tricky but doable.

Do you have a cam position sensor on your engine? They are notorious oil leak points and easily fixed with a generic nitrile O ring.

[WetOne]

even if chunks from the pcv grommet fall into valve cover there is a plate/baffle to keep the pieces from getting into the head

[50poundbrain]

I'll look at the PCV valve tomorrow. Thanks for that artbuc. I forgot to mention that mine is an XLS. What could be leaking at the engine/tranny joint besides a rear main? That's my worst leak.