I am fighting an oil leak with my 89 240. It's about the size of a half dollar at every stop. I have a couple questions for the experts on the board.

I have done the following:

Flame trap, breather box and all components check out OK. Passed the oil cap jiggle test.

Pulling the transmission aluminum support bracket, I see no oil on the flywheel engine side or inside the torque converter area (As viewed through the screens) so I am making the assumption it's not the rear seal.

The oil appears to be coming from the right rear area of the pan (right above that support bracket). I snugged up on the pan bolts in that area, however that didn't help.

Two questions:

1) Can I run the engine with the aluminum bracket "off" so I can see the leak dripping and verify?

2) Has anyone tried the new Permatex "spray on" rubber leak sealer made for the outside of oil pans and valve covers. It has great reviews and I may try this before spending a few hundred bucks to drop the pan.

Thanks in advance,