96 ranger oil leak

[MichaelMullis]

Help, I have a 96 ranger, 2.3L with auto trans. I noticed an oil leak when I changed the oil last week. I thought at first that my drain plug was dripping, but since then I found that the plate that is behind the drain plug is where the oil is coming from. I removed plate and had about 5-6 oz of oil drain out. I can see the flywheel with this plate removed and can see what looks like a piece of some type of gasket hanging down and oil seeping off of this material. I think this may indicate a rear seal leaking but do not know. Any suggestions would be helpfull. I have 99k on this truck and it runs great. Is a rear seal hard to replace? Should I consider rebuilding or replacing this motor.<br />thanks<br />michael

 

[DJ]

Re: 96 ranger oil leak

baitkiller,<br /><br />If it is the rear main seal, the treansmission will have to come out to do this. It is not that bad, since the seal is of the circular type.<br /><br />Be absolutely certain that the leak is not coming from the valve cover. Remember, gravity can fool you.<br /><br />As for a rebuild, not necessary as long as it's running good. That engine is capable of alot more miles than that.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: 96 ranger oil leak

baitkiller, just to add to DJ's comments, sometimes the tranny don't have to come out.<br />You can and I have done this, drop the oil pan and remove the rear main cap and this will create enough slack to remove and install the upper half of seal.<br /><br />And yes, look at rear of motor to the top and see if you have any oil on it up there.<br />Also remember that if you have an oil leak, the cooling fan can and does do funny things with that oil.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: 96 ranger oil leak

Its a full circle seal SBN. You have to remove<br />the trany.

 

[MichaelMullis]

Re: 96 ranger oil leak

Thanks guys, I am almost 100% sure it is the rear seal. I am positive that there is oil coming from the area where tran. meets motor I watched a drop form on the gasket looking thing that I saw hanging inside hole where flywheel is. I also thought that it may have come from valve cover there is some evidence that oil had come down motor but I presure cleaned engine and then I loosened that cover plate and got several oz's of fresh oil draining out. I did get a chiltons and it looks like trans will come out then fairly simple. The only problem is that I have no help and do not know if I want to man handle trans. Thanks again for input.<br />Michael

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: 96 ranger oil leak

Originally posted by NOSLEEP:<br />Its a full circle seal SBN. You have to remove<br />the trany.

Oh, ok.<br />All I have ever done are 2 piece seals.<br />My bad.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: 96 ranger oil leak

Originally posted by baitkiller:<br />Thanks guys, I am almost 100% sure it is the rear seal. I am positive that there is oil coming from the area where tran. meets motor I watched a drop form on the gasket looking thing that I saw hanging inside hole where flywheel is. I also thought that it may have come from valve cover there is some evidence that oil had come down motor but I presure cleaned engine and then I loosened that cover plate and got several oz's of fresh oil draining out. I did get a chiltons and it looks like trans will come out then fairly simple. The only problem is that I have no help and do not know if I want to man handle trans. Thanks again for input.<br />Michael

Just go to a rental place and rent you a tranny jack, then n/p.<br />Also make sure you support vehicle with more than just the jack.