Hi all, I just had my '97 850 wagon (non-turbo) inspected and noticed and oil leak. (new stain on driveway). I cleaned up the engine and tranny/cv axles. I ran the car for a few miles and checked again and the leak seems to be coming from in between the engine and transmission. There is a little grove which the oil is coming out of. Any thoughts? It smells like engine oil and not tranny oil.

 

Tech: I've been reading your replies on another oil leak, and it appears that I may have a rear seal leak.
Is there anyway to determine for sure if it is indeed the rear seal?
3 days labor seems a bit much, seeing that I never have that much free time.
I've cleaned out my flame trap and it looks okay for now. However the two lower lines that connected to the
flame trap "box" appeared to be clogged somewhat (especially the small line). Where do these lead to?

 

The lines go down to the Vent box which might be clogged as well.

The rear main seal will leak out of the small hole at the bottom of the bellhousing where the engine and trans meet.

Look really good and make sure one of the cam seals aren't leaking and running down.

 

Seems to be a pattern here. I too have a leak in the same spot and judging from a drive of 100 miles after an oil change I am losing about 1/2 a quart per 100 miles. My Volvo dealer wants @$1250.00 to do the job. A local transmission shop that rebuilt my Explorer tranny quite nicely quoted $550 to do the job. Check with some transmission places and see if they can help you price wise. You have to remove the trans which means dropping part of the sub frame. I did this on a 740 turbo to replace the oil pump and though doable on jackstands, it is long and demanding. I would get the PVC system in order and then have the rear main replaced. Get them to replace the front pump seal on the trans while out as preventative.
Good luck,
Rob
97 850 No turbo