Rear Main Seal, or Not? Help

[Philjoring]

Hi All,

I'm hoping that someone might be able to help me understand or pin point a HUGE engine oil leak.
I own a Classic Saab Convertible 900i 1993 model. Automatic. The Engine runs very smooth and has been looked after, The 3Spd Tranny is smooth changing and the car as a whole is in great condition.
I purchased this car as a project car and was (not registered) with an Oil leak. The ex owner gave me a list of things to fix ( pre Rego chk List from Saab mech) and it noted that the Rear Main Seal needed doing. Apart from the Rear Main, It looks like there is Engine Oil seaping out of the Auto transmission from in between the joins where the two halfs interface (this is after I've taken the car for a drive around the block and put it on Ramps......) Definately engine oil ... not transmission oil.. there is a drop of Oil every 5 seconds when engine hot and car stationary...

Is it possibe that there may be a crack in the transmission, or could it just be a seal or gasket.?? Engine and bay has been de greased and cleaned up nicely and no cracks evident on engine block..........

Also, I have noticed that even though there is good compression in the engine, I can see what looks like hundreds of tiny little air bubbles on the Oil Dip Stick when the engin is running...??? god only knows

Would appreciate any suggestions

Regs

[SteveN]

The final drive uses engine oil (can't remember the grade) not tranny oil which could explain what you are seeing there. Hopefully just a gasket. I guess if the rear main seal was pointed out then it needs doing too.

I have something similar happening on mine (2.1i auto) at the moment but it is a fairly small leak. Let us know how you go.

[Philjoring]

Thanks for your reply, i had another close look at the oil Leak..... I forgot to mention the the leak is that bad that the Engine oil needs to be topped up Every week by about half a litre..... ( The car isnt registered so it is stationary and I have to visit it every weekend to Start it up so the Battery wont go flat..... I have a 4ltr Oil tray sitting under it..... Im going to have to bite the bullet, get a permit to drive it and take it to a Saab specialist. The thing I fear the most is that if they remove the engine, and find that the job is more than i can afford, I'll be left with a car in bits and may not be worth putting it back together....

May have to source a reco Motor and tranny just incase..... Who knows..... Just want a Working SAAB!!!