Hyundai Repair: Clutch Slip/oil leak, pcv system, hyundai accent

Question
Hi

I have a limited knowledge in car mechanics and own a 97 Hyundai Accent.

My first question is that I've had an oil leak around the main seal area/gaskets lately and that was supposedly fixed (I trust the guys who did it) but a week later other mechanics checked for oil leaks and there was still a leak from the gaskets. The people who originally fixed it had no idea why that occured and assured me the gaskets had been changed along with the seal and that it perhaps didn't "sit properly". Both mechanics (from different garages) were sure the leak was from the gaskets. Is it really possible that the gaskets didn't "sit properly"? In addition, I'd like to note that the gaskets were apprently changed once only a month ago prior to the change I was referring to before. However they were not very trustworthy and I have a feeling the job was never done. Nevertheless, I can't help to be worried that perhaps there is a reason for why the gaskets keep being changed and the same oil leak reccuring.

My final question is whether I should get the clutch changed as it is slipping. All mechanics have noted the problem to me and I think it's time for a clutch change anyway, the car has done 66000 miles and I don't think the clutch has ever been changed. Is it possible that the oil leak was making the clutch slip and that I will not need to replace the clutch?

Thanks you so much.
Hasie  

Answer
Anytime a gasket or seal is replaced, it's possible it can be installed incorrectly and still leak.  It's also possible there's an underlying problem that hasn't been addressed that's causing the gasket to leak.  To be more informative, I'll need to know exactly which gaskets and seals-- there are many on an engine-- were replaced.

I'll presume for a moment that we're talking about the rear main seal.  A clogged PCV system or excessive engine wear could cause the rear main seal to leak.  If you've got a leak which is causing the clutch to slip, it's far more likely that it's coming from the input shaft seal of the transmission than the rear main seal.  What's worse, without removing the transmission, both leaks look pretty much exactly the same.  

If you're going to be removing the transmission-- which would be required to replace the rear main seal or transmission input shaft seal-- for any reason, you should definitely replace the clutch while this is done.  This will save you from paying the labor to remove and reinstall the transmission when you do the clutch later.