The engine was 100% oil tight up to 46,000 miles when suddenly without any prior warning a very bad engine oil leak appears from the bell housing area suggesting that the rear main seal has failed. It is too bad to drive it. I have checked the breather hoses and pcv valve and these appear to be clear and functioning correctly. Can anyone please suggest what may cause sudden failure of the rear main seal? (Assuming this is the leak source). One would expect a seal to start leaking gradually, giving warning of pending failure.