I've located an '02 4.2L with low miles. Independent inspection shows that the "rear main seal has minor oil leak" but that it is "not posing a threat at this time."

Anyone lived with this problem? Your experience?

Thanks.

 

Any comments on this? Thanks.

 

I bought my Volvo 850 years ago with a bad rear main seal (the 850s are known for bad rms). It started out leaking a few drips here and there. Within a month or so I would lose .5 qts every 500 miles. When I finally got it fixed after 3 months I was losing 1+ qt every 200 miles. The bottom of my car was covered in oil. I think I paid 4-500.00 to have it fixed as I had no desire to seperate the engine from the transmission in the winter time. Especially since it was seriously covered in oil. There were places were the oil/dirt grim mix were over and inch thick.

Now keep in mind Volvo 850's are known for bad rms. So I don't know if they are special in how fast it progresses.

Jeff

edit: some cars seep oil out their rms seal for ever. Never really getting any worse. Just monitor it, if you start to see a puddle of oil under your car get it fixed. Until then, just ignore it. Again I think Volvo's might be special.