Seepage or Leak?
 

I was recently under the car doing some exhaust work and noticed a film of oil on the bottom of the oil pan and the bell housing of the transmission.

First off, this is a brand new LQ9 engine with a Holley LS oil pan installed. Its never dripped one drop of oil on the garage floor, and I have roughly 600 miles on the car.

I'm hoping this is an oil pan gasket issue and not something more serious like the rear main, but I wanted to run it past you guys to get some input.

Here are some pics:

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1454/2...ad182b52_k.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1658/2...5369b66c_k.jpg

I just finished installing a used LQ9 in a 69. It did not leak a drop. Shortly after I stallng and running (not driven yet) I have a leak similar but more severe then yours.

I've checked everything possible and have determined it's most likely rear seal.

Will be pulling the tranny to confirm

The thing that gets me is the seepage area around the parameter bolts for the oil pan. That's the part that makes me think its a gasket issue. Guess I'll just have to dive into it a little more.:hairpullout:

Good luck on finding out whats causing your leak.

Did you run a bead of silicone across the front and rear cover seams?

Yes, I ran a bead over the seams.

I was able to shine a light up through the small notch in the transmission case and got a good look at rear main seal, and there doesn't appear to be any leakage there. I'm pretty confident I'm dealing with a gasket issue.