It only leaks when...

[danix]

88 325i automatic, 90k.

I've got an oil leak. Thought I had figured it out as the oil control valve gasket, but I replaced that and the leak is still here.

It leaks a tiny drop on the flat.
It leaks a ton (like 1/2 cup) on an incline, like when it's on ramps, or on an inclined driveway.

I suspect it's the rear main seal which means dropping the auto tranny right? Which would mean serious consideration as to whether to convert to a 5 speed. Or not. Educate me, please.

[danix]

Any ideas? Found another thread suggesting it could be the back of the oil pan gasket which is a lot easier to remedy.

[dnguyen1963]

You need to get under the car, clean it up, and try to find where the leaks are coming from. There is no point to guess.

[danix]

Precoffee snarky reply supressed...

Already had diagnosed it as the oil control valve gasket so obviously I've done that. Short of adding dye, I'm not sure how else to pinpoint it.

[dnguyen1963]

Adding UV dye is really the only way to pinpoint oil leaks...short of taking everything apart.

[Cabriolet]

I suspect it's the rear main seal which means dropping the auto tranny right? Which would mean serious consideration as to whether to convert to a 5 speed. Or not. Educate me, please.

it's this or the rear of the pan gasket has cracked. i would start with doing the pan gasket and then if that doesnt fit it. well let it leak, bc that's a bitch of a job to fix.

[scuddyholly]

Have you pressure washed the engine and under the car yet? That may help you see where the leak is starting from.

I've never heard of the dye trick, would that really help you pinpoint the leak, or just make your undercarriage green?

[dnguyen1963]

It is a UV dye. You need a UV lamp to see the leaks.

[danix]

Having a shop take a look at it.