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View Full Version : Dreaded oil separator plate leak! Got a question


Benfolio
08-11-2008, 07:04 PM
Where else could it be coming from?

Okay, that wasn't the question. It's showing all the signs.

Anyways, the question is, do I have a plastic plate, or aluminum? Planning on sucking it up and pulling the trans (might as well put the group N mount in too) to do it this weekend or the next, and need to have the car done in a day.
If it's plastic (and a new one doesn't cost an arm and a leg) I'll order a metal one. Otherwise what are the chances I can just re-seal a plastic one?
Reason
08-11-2008, 07:51 PM
Don't use a plastic one, not sure why they ever used plastic, maybe to cut costs. Get the aluminum one and call it a day. Also the leak could be the rear main seal. I would do that too even if it's not leaking. Not sure what your budget is but think about a new clutch if yours is old.
Benfolio
08-12-2008, 01:32 PM
Soooooo stock EJ25 Phase I is plastic?

I'll probably do the rear main as well. Clutch... well who knows how old it is, but I'll look at it once it's out. 156k on it, I'm sure it's been done at LEAST once.
Reason
08-12-2008, 01:59 PM
Soooooo stock EJ25 Phase I is plastic?


I'm assuming so, I'm not sure what year they changed. That's if the did at all..
Benfolio
08-12-2008, 03:46 PM
I've seen the back of my buddy's '00 2.5RS and it was metal, but we're comparing SOHC to DOHC.

No matter, the local Subie dealer has it all in stock and if I don't need any of it I can return it.

Just got to find a day to bring it in and get it done.... I love having the shop here at work, but finding time SUUUUUCKS.
Huffer
08-12-2008, 04:53 PM
They were plastic from factory up until 99 I think, and then they switched to metal plates.
99redleg
09-10-2008, 07:15 PM
where is this plate located because today after pulling in my drive i noticed an odor coming from the engine bay, well i looked under the car and noticed something leaking at first i thought it was a fitting on the power steering leaking but realized that it wasn't and i now believe it is coming from the transmission but not exactly sure where it is coming for, but from what i can tell it coming from some where is the front bottom portion of the trans any help on what it may be.
98BG5GT
09-11-2008, 03:46 AM
You will need to access the rear of your engine block. The oil separator plate is held in by approximately 6 bolts. Remove your torque convertor/clutch assembly and drive plate and it should be accessible. Go replace the rear main seal at this time as well.[/img]
Huffer
09-11-2008, 08:00 AM
where is this plate located because today after pulling in my drive i noticed an odor coming from the engine bay, well i looked under the car and noticed something leaking at first i thought it was a fitting on the power steering leaking but realized that it wasn't and i now believe it is coming from the transmission but not exactly sure where it is coming for, but from what i can tell it coming from some where is the front bottom portion of the trans any help on what it may be.

It'll help a lot more if you can tell what the fluid is...
99redleg
09-11-2008, 06:28 PM
thats the problem im not a 100% sure what the fluid is i believe it is transmission fluid from the smell and consistency but then i could be wrong, but im pretty sure it is not motor oil.
98BG5GT
09-11-2008, 08:01 PM
Wipe off some of the oil from the leak on a white paper towel. Then wipe off a sample of tranny fluid from the dipstick and also from the engine oil dispstick. Compare the swatches of oil. This might help you narrow down the fluid source.
Huffer
09-12-2008, 09:18 AM
thats the problem im not a 100% sure what the fluid is i believe it is transmission fluid from the smell and consistency but then i could be wrong, but im pretty sure it is not motor oil.

Unless tranny fluid is REALLY old and bad, it will still have a slight pink or red tinge to it.
Motor oil is either black, or goldish if it's new. Used motor oil is thicker than tranny fluid.
outbacktweaked95
09-15-2008, 01:18 AM
I Think im having the same problem i have a fluid thrown all around where the trannt bolts up to the engine. Im not completely sure if its trannt fluid or oil or a mix but last i checked i think it was tranny. do auto's have the same plate??
98BG5GT
09-18-2008, 03:40 AM
The oil separator plate should be the same for both transmissions. The only difference is that on an auto you are removing the torque convertor and drive plate, whereas on a manual you would remove the clutch assembly and pressure plate to access the oil separator. You may also want to check you rear main seal as this could also be the culprit. On the image the red arrows point to the aluminum plate and the rear main seal. https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/OilSeparatorplate-1.jpg[/img]