leak. Bad News?

[RedSierra]

Ok so I found out today that there is a good possibility that the Rear Main Seal is leaking. You all have been so helpful... Wanted to see what you thought.
Is this a big, expensive problem?
Remember this is all new to me.
Thanks
Red Sierra

[str8axle55]

What year truck/motor, 86 and up have a 1 pc rear main. If it`s a 1 pc, the trans will need to come out.

[RedSierra]

It's an 86.
Red Sierra

[79 silverado]

How bad is the leak?

I've driven a vehicle with a very slow rear main leak before that I left in and just kept topped off with oil since it dripped rather slowly and I kept an eye on it to make sure it didn't start losing too much oil. It stayed that way for 6 years and never needed changing, lasted until the vehicle was stolen and recovered, then parted out. That one it acted more like the weep from a valve cover and didn't hurt anything

On the other hand, I've seen engines where you run them at idle in the parking lot and you can see the oil drip drip drip out like a leaky faucet, which required changing...

[RedSierra]

It is a pretty good size leak. Sounds like I should get it changed.
Thanks
Red Sierra

[str8axle55]

Do you have a factory oil cooler, those have been known to leak where the o-ring seals to the block.

[RedSierra]

Yes. Everything is factory. Is the oil cooler hard to get to and check?
Thanks for all the help!
RedSierra
Posted via Mobile Device

[chebyshortbox65]

Put it up on jackstands clean really good and remove the trans inspection cover and run it to verify where the leak is
Posted via Mobile Device

[RedSierra]

Great! Thanks
RedSierra