A faulty rear main seal primarily leaks oil.
The rear main seal is a critical component located at the rear of the engine, sealing the crankshaft where it connects to the transmission. Its function is to prevent engine oil from escaping at this point.
Understanding Rear Main Seal Leaks
Based on the provided reference, the immediate consequence of a bad rear main seal is an oil leak.
- The reference explicitly states that "a bad rear main seal will only result in an oil leak".
- While the seal failure itself typically doesn't cause direct, severe mechanical damage to the seal area, the resulting oil loss can lead to other significant problems.
- Oil leaks, especially if left unaddressed, can cause the engine oil level to drop significantly. Low oil levels can deprive vital engine components of necessary lubrication, potentially leading to "more serious engine problems" as highlighted in the reference.
In summary, the leak from a rear main seal is engine oil. While the leak itself might seem minor initially, the subsequent drop in oil level is the main concern that can jeopardize engine health.
