Oil Leak

Well my car couldnt stay trouble free for too long. It has started leaking oil. I thought this was coming from from the rocker covers but after close inspection it appears its coming from between engine and gearbox. I just got the engine in a bit over a week ago after new rings and heads were put on. This leak has only started the last few days. Rear main seal was replaced about 2-3 months ago. Anybody know where it could be coming from.

Picture is taken from underneath where engine connexts to gearbox. Circled area is where oil is seeping from.
Simon

First find out if its engine oil or gearbox [smelly] oil

Could be the engine seal or the gearbox seal..

or it could be...

the Magnesium just expanding and contracting

and many engines leak oil...

sometimes only on a long trip...

clean all under the engine with degreaser and hose it off
then go for a drive and keep checking to see which oil it is

If its engine oil just keep a check on the oil level..
and top it up..

Gearbox oil.. check at the filler hole evry few weeks...

Lee

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug

If it is gearbox seal what would I be looking at to get that fixed up?
Simon

Check your crankshaft endfloat as it's a waste of time just refitting the seal if the float is too much. Either way if it's the engine or gearbox seal the engine has to come out again and the gearbox seal is easier as the flywheel doesn't need to be removed.

Would changing to a thicker oil stop it? Im currently running 20w 50
Simon

mine was doing the same thing, check if its leaking from the cam plug, next time its out, and check the rear main seal again. could also be cracked cases.
thicker oil will still leak out when its hot.
you should be able to smell if its gearbox oil when you wipe it, gearbox oil has a very strong smell

Doesnt seem to leak over night, only after i have been driving it and while its still hot. Was just looking through my reciepts and looks like rear crank seal and o ring were replaced at start of last year. Will gearbox oil be the same colour as engine oil?
Simon

check ur endplay for movement
but if ur bottom end isnt worn out 20/50 is too thick anyway
vw recommended 30w oil i use 10/30w in my newer engines
most tranny oils are red these days and smell woefull, u'll be able to tell the difference

its not real often that input shafts leak
its more than likely coming from the main seal or cam plug as already mentioned
the seal can be new but if the oil return channel in the case is blocked up with sealant as alot of non-vw experienced engine builders use to much when they join the case halves and plug the channel it will still leak