Hi everyone, I’ve recently purchased a 98 300tdi (manual) which has a slight leak from what I suspect is the rear main (its got engine oil drops at the bottom of the bell housing near drain plug hole, yes they drip, but not like a puddle). Do I fork out the money and get the rear main seal replaced or can I get away with leaving it.

In short: has anyone found that it has got into (or not gotten into) their clutch or any other issues associated with similar problems.

Any feed back would be great, thanks

It will get worse and eventually contaminate your clutch plate.
A few drops a day, maybe live with it, if it's half a cup a day you need to get it done. Get the clutch and fork done as well.
Use someone who knows Landies and what they're doing ( speaking from bad experience )

Thanks for the reply, It's just such a pain as the clutch was done around 8 thousand k ago... Maybe I'll attach a cup to the bottom of the drain hole so i can tell how much it leaks. Bit hard to tell atm as it only does it when running nice and warmed up and stops soon after leaving 4 or so drips on the ground each time.

I also have a 300tdi Manual and replaced the clutch along with the rear main seal just 2,000Km ago. And now i am getting oil in the same place as stated below am i correct in assuming it is the rear main causing me grief...

James.

After looking at it closer and cleaning up around the drain whole... it sure is where the oil is coming from and it isn't in short supply! it left a puddle in minutes.

So the Disco has been taken to the naughty corner of the property to think about its inability to retain fluids...

James.