RW> The rear seal area isn't much of a problem to fix, pull the drive shaft
RW> and replace the seal. The front seal requires the tranny be pulled and
RW> the
RW> pump removed. When you take it that far, you might as well re-build the
RW> trans too.

When I said rear seal, I meant the one on the back of the engine that faces
the transmission (in the Durango).  It appears there is a bit of oil leaking
between the rear of the motor and the transmission.  Not much, but enough to
make a mess.  

Yes, if you are going to separate the transmission from the motor, you might
as well do more stuff while it is apart.  The motor still runs great, but as
it ages, these leaks are showing up here and there.  It also has a slight leak
in the power steering pump somewhere.

RW> If it gets worse, do the above. A long screw-driver or similar prys the
RW> seal out and a few taps with a plastic hammer puts in a new seal. Grease
RW> the exterior of the front yoke before you put it back in to lube the seal
RW> before driving the car. I'd also check the front yoke for holes that may
RW> exist, allowing ATF from the output shaft to leak past the yoke.

It might be possible to just separate the transmission away far enough to do
the repair without taking everything out.  I'd have to look at it more.  I'm
not too concerned yet, since the leak isn't at a serious level.

RW> I asked if they had done the attic thing before and they said it was no
RW> problem, as long as they could get in and out quick enough.

That is the key.  I went up in the attic did my thing (make an adjustment to a
damper), and get right back down again and check it out from the vent.
Certainly not the weather that I would be installing insulation in the attic.

RW> According to roof vent officiendos, there shouldn't be any 'end' vents in
RW> the attic. If you had/have them they should be blocked off. The natural
RW> tendency for air to flow up when heated draws cooler outside air through
RW> the soffets and will lower the attic temps a lot better. Also close off
RW> any interior or garage access ports. Including that fan.

Yeah, older homes have those side vents.  The roof peak vents make more sense
since heat rises and between the soffets and peak vents, it will create a good
flow for the heat to escape.

RW> I know that the vaulted ceiling in our living room used to make the room
RW> unliveable during summer (the AC couldn't keep up very well). The peak
RW> vent makes it a whole lot cooler these days.

We have a vaulted ceiling in the bedroom, and one of those really high
ceilings in the foyer.  Painting that thing was a challenge.  Especially the
high parts that I needed to use my little giant ladder (with a leg leveler -
one on each step) to get to the high spots when cutting in.

- Mark

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