Fluid Leaks

[jakeyf08]

Noticed that I was very low on transmission fluid so I crawled underneath and noticed a little dripping here. The pan does not appear to be leaking fluid. The tran lines above this also do not appear to be leaking.



I noticed this is wet. What are those two bolt for on the rear? Could those be leaking.

The bottom of the OIL pan had some fluid on it which looked a little to redish to be oil. Im just trying to find somewhere to start with the tran leak.



I replaced the oil cooler lines and cleaned this whole area up. As you can see on the left oil cooler lines are dry but there is leak on the right. Are those power steering hoses? And could the steering gear be leaking? I haven't noticed that the power steering fluid has dropped very much...was a little low but still within the range on the stick.


Also, there is an oil leak.



Rear of block appears to be wet.



Front of block is wet as well. This is the bottom of PS pump. Motor has new valve cover gaskets and intake manifold gasket. There is no coolant loss. I know it is tough to diagnose where oil leaks are but pointing me in the right direction could be very helpful. Should I try using an oil dye? It doesn't seem to leak when cold or sitting it just drips 1 or two small spots (about 2 inches in diameter) when it is parked after running. The bottom of the oil pan and surrounding area was cleaned and it has fluid on it again so there its a consistent leak. I believe there could be a mix of tranny fluid and oil on bottom of oil pan. I'm not overly concerned about the oil leak and a I would like to tackle the transmission leak first. Where could tranny possibly leak from that would allow it to sit on the bottom of the oil pan? or is that not even possible? Looking for places to start. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[4x4 blazerguy]

I hate to say this & not to be a smart A$$. But I would check all fluid levels fill to correct levels & drive it. These things leak oil at least mine does. I only worry about it when I start going through a lot of oil. Oil Cooler lines seep, You could be leaking a small amount from timing cover gasket/oil pan. You showed the Transfer case & a few drops of oil, maybe a seal seeping. If the T/C is making oil & the transmission is loosing oil then the seals between the trans & T/C. That is an issue that needs to be addressed. Other than that I don't see any thing that looks that serious. It up to you, how much you want top worry & how much work you want to put into chasing minor oil leaks. When the Oil Cooler lines start leaking pretty good then change them. The saying back in the day if a Chevy didn't leak or use a little oil then you better start worrying Because as a rule they where ready to blow up.

[jakeyf08]

I do not want to worry too much about the oil leak or put alot of time into it. I will fill the transmission and watch it to see how fast it is loosing fluid and try to find exactly where it is coming from. Thanks for the advice!

[4x4 blazerguy]

That in my opinion is a smart decision. When the oil cooler lines start to leak bad you will see oil all over.
Another thing I have done for years is add about a 1/2 quart of Lucas, Power Punch is my favorite, Morrey's is good also @ oil/filter change. It helps with oil leaks a little. All I drive is old junk. All my old junk runs great. Think nothing of driving 600+ mile trips into the heat of Southern Arizona.

[jakeyf08]

I have been keepiing an eye on the transfer case seal that buts uup to the transmission and it does appear to be leaking.

[old_master]

If the front of the block is wet with oil, better look close for a leak... timing cover gasket, front crank seal, oil cooler lines, intake gaskets or rocker arm cover gaskets. If any of those leak, when you drive it the wind and the fan will spray the oil back and make it look like everything's leaking, (just like your pictures show). Might help to power wash it and add some florescent dye to the oil. Then check it with a black light.