OK, I found the source of the rough idle/surging of this 95 850 turbo I just bought(but have the possibility to return for refund). The upper intercooler hose had a 12 gauge hole in it.

I did a duct tape patch job and it idles and runs perfectly now. BUT it still drips oil. Would a rear main seal lose oil at a drip rate? Or am I looking at something else such as another turbo hose that could have a leak or hole??

Have you checked the oil return line from the turbo? They are often known to leak oil pretty steadily if the rings haven't been replaced.

Thanks immensly for the rapid response. Kind of tough to tell where it is coming from. I see 2 thin fluid lines running underneath about 14" away from the oil filter in the 8 o clock position.This is where the oil appears to be dripping from. I will try and get a better look.

I think everyone that has had an 850T has ended up with the return line leak. I know I did. It made a pretty good mess of the bottom of the engine as I recall while driving, and dripped off a frame member and possibly the oil plug when stopped.

It is a bit of a bear to get to. You need to get under the car on the rear side of the oil pan, and it comes down and terminates up above several inches. The car needs to be driven up on ramps or something to get it a foot above normal. There is a small clamp that braces the rigid line to the engine IIRC.

I can't recall how I isolated mine. I believe it was a matter of figuring out the RMS leak would be over a foot or so to the driver's side where the "rear" of the engine is. The oil return line leak shows itself near the center of the car or slightly to the passenger's side, I think.

I concur with JABlackburns assessment. However it would be helpful if you better described where you are seeing the drip. If this has been fo awhile and oil is blown all over the place, it might be difficult. If this is the case you might try cleaning this up to help better diagnose. A rear seal is expensive, the turbo return line is not. Better to positively know before throwing money at this.

Jerry
01 V70 T5a
104000 miles