Replace the rear main "while I'm in there"?

[mtweller]

So I had to pull the tranny, but that's another story.

I've had an oil leak into the flywheel/bellhousing inspection plate for a few months now and I was sure it was the rear main. I believe she has the original '78 seal in there - at least it hasn't been done since I owned it in '95. Once I got in there, rear main was dry. So I cleaned and baby powdered it up, reinstalled the flywheel and ran it for a few minutes. What I discovered, appears to be seepage of the oil-pan gasket, jut above the rear bearing cap bolt head (that cap was really wet on one side when I first inspected for the leak, pass side).

Well, the oilpan gasket has only been on about 3 years, and is OE and was done right (so I thought). So I checked the oilpan bolts and found all of them took AT LEAST a full turn with one hand on the ratchet, not applying much torque.

Long story short, I'm not going to replace the oilpan gasket (again) until I see if tightening the bolts will fix the leak, but should I go ahead and replace the rear main while I have everything opened up, even though I am 99.9% sure it is not leaking???

R

 

[Michael Hanson]

If you do replace it ,your good for years to come. MIke

 

[71FJ40]

Yes

+ do the pilot bearing, throwout bearing and clutch

 

[mtweller]

Pilot bearing / TO bearing / clutch are all new. Less than 1000mi.

So I have read about using the PVC cleanout pipe to drive the new seal in, but is there a good trick for removing the old one?

R

 

[FF LC FREAK]

but is there a good trick for removing the old one?

R

Go to your local auto parts store and buy a seal puller. It makes it so much easier to get seals out vs a screw driver.

 

[KY Longhunter]

If you remove the oil pan and the last bearing you can easily access the Rear Main Seal without a tool (see FAQs).

You will of course then need a new Oil Pan Gasket and a chance to replace Oil Pump if worn out.

 

[IOKRU2]

I am gearing up to do the same as mtweller. How can you tell if your oil pump is worn out? Do you guys put any lube on the seal prior to installing it? How about a thin coat of Permatex on the oil pan gasket...necessary or not?

Thanks.

 

[apeterson]

I am gearing up to do the same as mtweller. How can you tell if your oil pump is worn out? Do you guys put any lube on the seal prior to installing it? How about a thin coat of Permatex on the oil pan gasket...necessary or not?

Thanks.

Check the facts and look at posers thread on oil pan gaskets. Lib the seal with a little oil.

 

[FJforty]

My $.02. Use hight temp RTV on oil pan and all covers that need it. Permatex I only use one place and that is for freeze and oil galley plugs.

 

[Dedtruk]

Rear main seal can be pried out with a pick, no seal puller needed. Mine came right out. Much easier than pulling a rear main cap ... And new one can be pounded in slowly with an extension or drift working around the outside of the seal in a circle. Just my $0.02.

 

[psreno]

Don't ask me! I've had a *$@%*& rear main seal leak for at least 20 yrs now. In despite of 2 clutches and a resto.

Every year it's the same thing, "I'm going to pull that motor this winter and rebuild...."

But at least I know she's still got oil

 

[IDave]

A thought: if no sealant was put on the rear main cap, that could be your leak.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Are you sure it is not the side cover gasket? Mine is leaking now and it looks JUST like a rear main(w/o the mess on the flywheel) or an oil pan gasket.

 

[Pin_Head]

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."