Here's a breakdown of how to troubleshoot this:
1. Confirm the Leak Location:
* Clean Everything Thoroughly: Use a degreaser and a good engine cleaner to thoroughly clean the engine around the suspect areas (oil pan, rear main seal area, and anywhere else you see potential oil traces). Let it dry completely.
* Run the Engine: Run the engine for a short period, then carefully inspect for fresh oil leaks. Use a flashlight to get a good view. Look for the specific drip point, or the path the oil is taking down the engine. This will pinpoint the exact leak source.
* Observe the Oil: Check the color and consistency. Fresh oil will be more transparent than oil that's been sitting and collecting dirt. This can help you trace it back to its source.
2. Diagnosing the Rear Main Seal:
A rear main seal leak usually shows oil dripping from the back of the engine, near the bellhousing (where the transmission connects to the engine). It's often difficult to see directly without lifting the engine slightly or removing components. The oil will usually run down the back of the engine, sometimes collecting on the transmission.
3. Consider Other Possibilities (Less Likely, but still possible):
* Valve Cover Gasket: Leaking valve cover gaskets can sometimes drip down the engine and look like a lower leak.
* Oil Filter: A loose or improperly seated oil filter can be the source.
* Engine Timing Cover: Although less common, a leak from the timing cover gasket could also drip down.
4. Next Steps:
* Professional Inspection: Because the rear main seal replacement is a more involved repair, it's usually best to have a mechanic diagnose and perform the repair. They have the tools and expertise to properly identify the source and perform the repair efficiently and accurately. The labor costs for replacing a rear main seal are usually quite high, so getting a proper diagnosis before committing to that repair is crucial.
* Parts Store Gasket Quality: While less likely given you tried twice, it is possible that the pan gaskets were defective. Perhaps consider a gasket from a different (more reputable) supplier for a third attempt, before concluding that it isn't the pan gasket.
Important Note: Driving with an oil leak can cause significant engine damage if you lose too much oil. If the leak is substantial, have the vehicle towed to a mechanic to prevent further damage.
