Looking for some input. Seal between the tranny & engine leaking drops of oil verrrrrrrrrry slowly, Ford Dealer looked at it and said $700 to replace seal. Independent mechanic said let it go until it puddles because he sees this will all makes of cars around my mileage (83,000.)

Also, had dealer replace thermostat at around 60k miles, and now there is a yellow corrosion (like battery terminal crud) on all housing screws and around seal. Yelllow is color of antifreeze, so it is a no brainer. But Ford Dealer quoted me $400 on that fix and said they may have to replace whole housing.
Again, no gushing leak, but corrosion nonetheless.

 

The water outlet might just be a matter of new gasket / o-ring / seal and some sealant needed. Worst case is you have to get a new water outlet housing, which may be available at the local auto parts store and you can do the repair all yourself and save $300 or more.

Rear main seals seem to be a problem on Fords. If you have access to a transmission jack and all the other tools required, you could probably replace it yourself. The big thing is having the tool to install the new seal without damaging it. Just my $0.02

 

A couple of months ago, I came up with my own theory, that the pcv valve may be clogged.

Anyway, I replaced it several months ago and the oil leak stopped and oil on seal cleared up. Don't know if it is dumb luck and the leak just stopped or if there was some pressure build up in the system.

I am still keeping an eye on the seal and all still looks good.

Dumb luck or could a clogged pcv valve have something to do with it?

 

Pressure can't build up b/c of the fresh air inlet on the rt valve cover. Any pressure will just blow out into the intake tube. Most of the time it's the oil pan gasket leaking and not the rear main seal.