FYI Guys... It's The VC Gasket Not The RMS...
 

This is just some advice... it's not a diagnosis... all I'm saying here is if you think you've got a bad RMS you actually might not.

I had my RMS replaced last May.

I knew my VC gaskets were getting to the point where they needed to be replaced but I was putting off pulling the upper. However, lately the typical RMS leak appeared... typical meaning at the typical location.

Needless to say, I was a bit pissed having paid ~$800 about 6 months ago for the RMS and now seeing it go bad, but the leak was getting so bad I could watch it drip when the car was running.

... back the shop.

Turned out that the RMS is fine... it was my rear VC gasket and it was friggin pouring oil. I was under the car and watched it. It was a bit alarming the amount of oil that was escaping.

Apparently, with the rear VC gasket leak, oil can and does find it's way b/t the block and the tranny exiting right at the same spot as it would if the RMS had failed. Even with the removal of the inspection plate at the flywheel, it still looks like it's the RMS but it ain't. My shop actually had to insert a scope to make sure what was leaking and what wasn't.

Just an FYI for those who are thinking they need a new RMS.

Good thread. How hard is it to determine it a VC gasket issue? Meaning where does one start looking for the leak.. the last time I went under the car searching for the leak, it resulted in a stiff neck for me and my neck was sore for a week.

Well, what I did to confirm that the rear VC gasket was the source of my leak was reach behind the UIM and feel the VC (particularly the mating point where the gasket sits, and the left corner of the cover). When I pulled my hand back out, it was covered in fresh oil! :laugh: Probably not the greatest method, but it worked for me :nod:

The best thing about that leak was that it resulted in the 00VI. Gave me a good reason to pull the UIM and trash it :laugh:

Here's picture of the rear of the engine. RH corner of the valve cover is usually where it starts. You can see the trail of oil if you look up at the rear of the engine from underneath the car.

I've got the tell-tale signs of a RMS leak, so I'll check this out.

Did you also notice excess oil consumption? On mine I don't get drops on the pavement at all. With an RMS leak I would expect to see that.

Dave