Jaguar Repair: Oil Leak, crankcase pressure, main bearings

Question
I have a 1984 XJS with 57k miles and I have an oil leak that I'm told will cost me around $1,000 to fix. I believe it is leaking at the main rear seal and the oil drips onto the exhaust causing smell and some smoke. Any suggestions? Also, I have some sort of an exhaust leak coming from under the hood (sounds like a Harley). I think it may be an exhaust manifold leak. Have you run into this before and how costly will it be to repair?

Answer
Hi Mark,
A rear main seal leak can be that much or more depending on what is wrong. If you have excess crankcase pressure causing it, that can be a stopped up vent system or a ring problem. If the main bearings are worn causing the crankshaft to move up and down thus destroying the rear main seal or just a worn out seal.

You need a Jag mechanic to check the exhaust noise to see if it is just a gasket or a cracked exhaust manifold or even a pipe gasket.

Howard