2006 Wrangler NSG370 Transmission Leak Question

[prger]

Very confused about this and don’t know how concerned I should be. This fluid looks very strange to me and the bolt won’t tighten fully with a wrench, but isn’t finger loose. It just seems to keep spinning. Obviously, this bolt is on the trans, but that does not look like transmission fluid. Seems to leak and run all the way down the trans. Previous owner had changed the fluid a few thousand miles ago. (I just bought a month ago).

Any thoughts on what I should do or why this fluid looks so weird? My apologies, I’m a noob when it comes to this stuff. Thanks in advance.

 

[prger]

https://streamable.com/tfpu6m

link to the video I uploaded if the attachment doesn’t work ^

 

[freebo86]

Is that green? Could be coolant, running it’s way down.

my LJ leaks in the same spot but it’s oil. Rear main seal.It only does it during the winter months when it’s parked and doesn’t move for storage.

 

[Steel City 06]

I agree, it's most likely engine oil, not transmission fluid. Behind that sheet metal is the clutch assembly and flywheel, which is in a large void called the bellhousing. There is no transmission fluid in there. Further back is the gearbox, which is full of fluid.

The most likely sources are the rear main seal or the valve cover. You will want to figure out which one it is, because you do not want to risk getting oil in the clutch assembly, which could cause slippage and failure of the clutch. It's not urgent, but is important.

 

[prger]

I agree, it's most likely engine oil, not transmission fluid. Behind that sheet metal is the clutch assembly and flywheel, which is in a large void called the bellhousing. There is no transmission fluid in there. Further back is the gearbox, which is full of fluid.

The most likely sources are the rear main seal or the valve cover. You will want to figure out which one it is, because you do not want to risk getting oil in the clutch assembly, which could cause slippage and failure of the clutch. It's not urgent, but is important.

already changed the valve cover gasket so I will look into seeing if it’s the RMS, thanks

 

[prger]

Is that green? Could be coolant, running it’s way down.

my LJ leaks in the same spot but it’s oil. Rear main seal.It only does it during the winter months when it’s parked and doesn’t move for storage.

I wouldn’t call the color green, maybe in a certain light it could give off a green hue. The more I look at it, I believe it is just engine oil. If you see my other post, I had leaking in a similar area that I tried to remedy by changing the valve cover gasket. I am getting worried that it may just end up being the RMS. Not the end of the world to fix, but a pain

 

[Steel City 06]

It could be residual oil trickling town the back of the engine from before the valve cover was changed. Perhaps try a thorough degreasing and see if it comes back

 

[BeavisTJ]

My money is on the rear main seal. My RMS is leaking and does the same thing, oil runs all the way down the transmission.

 

[Zorba]

It could be residual oil trickling town the back of the engine from before the valve cover was changed. Perhaps try a thorough degreasing and see if it comes back

This. Mine had the same situation, once I "gunked" the engine, it went away and didn't come back.

 

[Goatman]

Trans fluid is a bit "tacky" or "sticky" between your fingers. Motor oil will just be slick. Trans fluid also has a pretty strong and distinct smell. Engine oil (5w or 10w) is different from trans (actually 'gear' oil) starts at around 70w and can go over 140w.