TC Chatter, and Tranny Oil Leakage

[KA24DESOneThree]

Well, my friend just picked up a '92 240SX SE hatch for cheap. He had it inspected, and it passed with flying colors. However, on the way home, a cloud of blue smoke formed under the car and remained for a little while. I had my bro call him and tell him that he should get off the freeway ASAP.

Well, we pulled over and checked out his motor and it seems to be leaking gear oil from the front of the tranny. (I know it's gear oil because it's translucent with that nasty stench.) He also needs to do an oil change.

Also, his timing chain chatters... but I've heard that's normal. (My car doesn't do it, though.)

Does anyone know what's up with his tranny? I'm headed down to Temecula tomorrow to pick up some 60mm lug studs at the dealership and order some 205/50 Falken Azenis Sports, so he'll be able to buy the parts/place an order for the parts at the dealer's for whatever he needs.
He thanks you in advance for your advice.
-Steve

[Tygma]

front of the tranny or front of the bellhousing.. if its the bellhousing.. ouch..

[aznpoopy]

timing chatter is not a big deal. take off the distributor, valve cover and front timing cover, remove 4 screws and pull the guides, reseal and done.

i hope he's leaking from where the tranny mates to the driveshaft. that is a relatively easy fix.

if he's leaking from where the tranny mates to the engine ...

based on the diagram in the FSM, which I happen to have at work today (don't ask why); i think you need to drop the whole transmission, remove the front cover and replace the oil seal and possibly a gasket too. the oil seal sits inside that front cover, so it's basically impossible to remove without taking the whole damn thing off. might as well do a full clutch job and reseal the rear too, as long as it is all coming off.