Hello. I am hoping I can get some guidance on a leak on the 2003 Discovery. It is in an odd spot and I don't really want to spend 800+ to figure out where the actual issue is. The leak is described in the picture. has anyone run into this issue before? any suggestions? The mechanic says "rear main leak".

Roughly how much does that cost?

 

That is an ugly spot for an oil leak - I am assuming oil and not transmission fluid
Did you pop that cover off is it inside and out or only out

• valve cover rear - leaking down
• Crucifix seals
• rear main seal - last choice and most expensive
• oil pan

Is there any oil along the seam between the bellhousing and engine ?

 

First you have to find, where the oil is coming from, not the place where you find it. I have some oil collecting in the same area, but not as bad (do drips on the driveway) and going on for years, not getting worse. My valve covers are leaking a bit, I suspect it is coming from there.

 

--- no leaks between bellhousing and engine, the guy says its the rear main seal, which is the expensive one. What would happen if i let it go for a while? And thank you for your help!

 

Im just afraid it will get worst and end up costing more. I just replaced the valve cover seal cause it was leaking.

 

If it leaks it leaks.
Just check your oil and add as needed.
The leak itself is otherwise harmless.

 

The question is how much oil are you losing - if it is not measurable over a month do the PCV mod and see if it goes away.

If it is measurable there are 2 possibilities:

The rear main - which could the be problem and yes is expensive they need to drop the transmission.

More likely and way less expensive the crucifix seals, that is a drop the oil pan job.

 

Is this fresh oil? Did you clean off the leaking oil after replacing the valve covers?

 

My basically brand new Rover had a leak between the engine and the transmission. Repair is approx 22k. Thank God for warranty. And I have to say the Newport Beach Land Rover gave me an awesome loaner car (2021 Audi A7 Quattro)

 

Lol . . .