Hey, I'm new to this site. I have a 1995 automatic TS Executive Magna and recently notice an oil leak closer to the driver's side of the car. Went over to the mechanic who checked it out and said it was the oil seal rear main and the gearbox would have to be removed to have it replaced. Anyway, took it to another mechanic who after looking at it reckoned it wasn't the oil seal rear main but the valve stem seal which looks like the leak is coming from the rear main and was no concern really to drive and wouldn't cost that much to fix. Now, whom do I believe? Any advice appreciated.

Well a mechanic who does not know what valve stem seals are and the fact they are an internal engine componant does not need to be allowed near cars.

The rear main, if leaking should be replaced as it will not get any better, engine does have to come out but should not be too expensive as the engine takes about 4 hours to remove and same to refit.

Mal

there are four possible seal/gasket sources for an engine oil leak from the gearbox end of the engine, there is:

The rear main crank seal, this can be replaced engine in car with the transmission out
The engine sump gasket, can be replaced with exhaust still on car

the following two will leak over the gearbox:
The seal on the camshaft behind the waterpump drive pulley, remove black plastic cover to inspect
The tappet cover gasket

my tappet cover gasket is leaking and the mechanics tried to tell me it was the rear main oil seal, degrease your engine and source it, could be paying 8 hours labour for no good reason

Thanks for your replies, will look into it further.