Rear main oil seal problem...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Salem OR
Rear main oil seal problem...
Recently, I discovered my new engine w/ automatic (1,250 miles) leaking (appears to be at the bellhousing & also from right rear valve cover ) and I'm not sure what to do? Is it a rear main seal problem? :confused:
If it still leaks after the valve covers gasket is changed, then what the best way to tell if it is the rear main seal before I have to tear the motor down?
In my original 77 350, (now a 383) how can I tell if it's a one piece rear main seal, or a two piece main seal? I bought it already rebuilt and don't know exactly what was done in the rebuild.
Anyone? :confused:
[Modified by Banta, 11:11 PM 5/27/2002]
If it still leaks after the valve covers gasket is changed, then what the best way to tell if it is the rear main seal before I have to tear the motor down?
In my original 77 350, (now a 383) how can I tell if it's a one piece rear main seal, or a two piece main seal? I bought it already rebuilt and don't know exactly what was done in the rebuild.
Anyone? :confused:
[Modified by Banta, 11:11 PM 5/27/2002]
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Salem OR
Re: Rear main oil seal problem... (Banta)
Okay, the question about the seal type was answered, but how about this:
If it still leaks after the valve covers gasket is changed, then what the best way to tell if it is the rear main seal before I have to tear the motor down?
If it still leaks after the valve covers gasket is changed, then what the best way to tell if it is the rear main seal before I have to tear the motor down?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Rear main oil seal problem... (Banta)
Dropping the pan is not tearing the engine down ;) . Go to a GM dealer and purchase this fluorescent dye for about $5.00. Drop it into the crankcase oil and drive for about 50 miles. Use an ultra-violet light (you can rent one or drop by a lube pit at a GM dealer) to see the exact source(s) of the leak. For $5.00 you do not have to guess....
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Rear main oil seal problem... (Banta)
I stare at oil leaks every day in my job. If you want a Mitchell flat-rate on the replacement of the rear main seal I will look it up tomorrow. Then you will know the GM cost (at your local labour rate) for the job. Most independent shops use Mitchell also. It is an industry standard.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Salem OR
Re: Rear main oil seal problem... (paul79)
I stare at oil leaks every day in my job. If you want a Mitchell flat-rate on the replacement of the rear main seal I will look it up tomorrow. Then you will know the GM cost (at your local labour rate) for the job. Most independent shops use Mitchell also. It is an industry standard.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Salem OR
Re: Rear main oil seal problem... (Indy Year 25)
The March issue of Corvette Fever has an article about oil leaks. They cover R&R of a rear main seal on an "early shark' engine".
The Mitchell Flat Rate Manual says 3.1 hours for the rear main (split) seal replacement on the 1974 to 1979 Corvette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Re: Rear main oil seal problem... (Indy Year 25)
Not to drift off the topic I have changed power steering rams twice and a leak develops soon after at the seal where the arm protrudes out of the ram. It appears that the chrome wears off and gets groves which eat at the seal and the leak progresses. Any ideas guys?
[Modified by Cali,77,L-82, 11:53 PM 5/28/2002]
[Modified by Cali,77,L-82, 11:53 PM 5/28/2002]
