F*^%. Just went up to the gas station to fill ‘er up for a weekend isolated camping trip and when I got back I heard a VERY SLIGHT ticking. Revved the engine and it went away.

The shocker ... I get out and take a few things in the house and come out to a milky little few drops under the truck. I’ve been trying to track down a rear engine oil leak dripping off the parking brake drum but honestly it was down the priority list. These things leak. But MILKY? Please tell me I don’t have a blown head gasket!!!!!

 

Oil cap is GOOD. Dip stick is GOOD.

 

Parking brake drum is on the other side of the transfer case, unlikely to be engine oil. Better keep an eye to the fluid level in the trans and t-case. Milky oil on the outside of the engine is a weird one. Did you drive through any puddles? Could it be the result of some condensate mixing with the external oil reserves commonly found on these engines?

 

Negative. Literally haven’t driven any more than in and out of the driveway for 3 weeks. Drive approximately 5 miles round trip to see this. It’s been dripping off of the parking brake drum since I’ve had it. I know the rear main seal is above it somewhere so I’m more than a little worried.

 

However, I DID thoroughly spray the undercarriage yesterday after installing diff guards

 

Rear main seal is in the engine, about 3 feet away from the parking brake drum. While the drum is pretty low and could collect spray, maybe, I have a leaking rear main seal for sure and my parking brake drum is as dry as a chip.

Edit: Short drives are where condensate is most prevalent.

 

Well ok then. Think maybe that's related, or your engine is mysteriously smoked after driving 5 miles? I know which way I'd be leaning....

 

Copy. Thanks for the info. I’m gonna make the drive and monitor “symptoms”.

 

My advise is to check your t-case for the proper amount of fluid before you go anywhere.

 

Will do. That’s on the list. As well and diff fluid. I’ll do that tomorrow.