Rear main seal?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Recognized Flat Rate on that is 3 hours. Most shops around here are at about $100/hour, so you're looking at $300 plus parts (oil pan gasket and rear main seal), which will get you up close to $400. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
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2 to 3 hours labor
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Feb 23, 2018 at 03:45 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
I spent more time researching and reading all the horror stories about the job than actually changing the main rear seal. Not that bad of job. I found the worst part was scraping the old pan gasket off the block for a clean seal. Acetone helps here.
A few tips:
Buy a oil pan stud kit and never look back.
Use the new seal to force the old (upper) one out.
Clock the new seal gaps at 8 o clock & 2 o clock.
Use The Right Stuff (RTV) on the block. Let the gasket sit on the pan studs overnite with pan installed & only 3-6 nuts. Next day, remove pan, RTV the gasket, install pan, torque all nuts. These steps will prevent squeeze out (leaks) of RTV.
A few tips:
Buy a oil pan stud kit and never look back.
Use the new seal to force the old (upper) one out.
Clock the new seal gaps at 8 o clock & 2 o clock.
Use The Right Stuff (RTV) on the block. Let the gasket sit on the pan studs overnite with pan installed & only 3-6 nuts. Next day, remove pan, RTV the gasket, install pan, torque all nuts. These steps will prevent squeeze out (leaks) of RTV.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Feb 24, 2018 at 11:13 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
This is one of those items that a person can do for themselves....IF they have a basic tool set and a little bit of 'wrenching' experience.
Caution: If you can't afford the $400 sources and are looking for a "corner" mechanic, make sure that they have done this job before. It is not difficult; but if you just go at it 'blind' (zero knowledge on doing this job), the new seal can be damaged or just not seal.
If you decide to DIY, we can give you the important tips to watch out for.
Caution: If you can't afford the $400 sources and are looking for a "corner" mechanic, make sure that they have done this job before. It is not difficult; but if you just go at it 'blind' (zero knowledge on doing this job), the new seal can be damaged or just not seal.
If you decide to DIY, we can give you the important tips to watch out for.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
7T1 is correct. Its not hard if you have some ramps. If you just changed the oil, save it in a clean milk jug. You do not have to remove the starter. You don't even remove the oil filter. Two nuts on the idler arm drops the entire steering linkage a couple inches to clear the pan. Oil pump off, main cap off. Read instructions with the new seal.
Other Chevy Forums have great pictures of the seal exchange. Remember, you are forcing the top portion in only. The bottom seal is done on your work bench.
Try Google. SBC rear main seal install.
I don't know where others are coming up with 3 hr job. Must be 2 hrs of drinking beer, an hr of labor?
Other Chevy Forums have great pictures of the seal exchange. Remember, you are forcing the top portion in only. The bottom seal is done on your work bench.
Try Google. SBC rear main seal install.
I don't know where others are coming up with 3 hr job. Must be 2 hrs of drinking beer, an hr of labor?
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Feb 23, 2018 at 06:56 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Bradley Il.
2017 C3 of the Year Finalist
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
You cannot really remove the pan without doing this......
It is really easy to tear up the seal with the sharp edge of the block. A small pointed nail file to knock the sharp edge off is more of a help than you think. Not filing the crap out of it mind you....but just to slightly chamfer the edge. I never have any luck with the "tongue" tab install tool while laying on my back. Also remember to stagger the parting line slightly.
Jebby
Last edited by Jebbysan; Feb 24, 2018 at 02:00 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
There are other specific tips on how to prevent damage to the new seal when installing it, and how to prevent leakage at the split between the two halves of the new seal.
Make sure that you purchase a seal made of Viton and from a good brand. This is something you only want to do ONCE! Research the process and the various seals available for that job on the internet. When performing the work, take your time and double check any action BEFORE you take it. If you have any doubt in the next step, use this Forum to ask questions.
Make sure that you purchase a seal made of Viton and from a good brand. This is something you only want to do ONCE! Research the process and the various seals available for that job on the internet. When performing the work, take your time and double check any action BEFORE you take it. If you have any doubt in the next step, use this Forum to ask questions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
There are other specific tips on how to prevent damage to the new seal when installing it, and how to prevent leakage at the split between the two halves of the new seal.
Make sure that you purchase a seal made of Viton and from a good brand. This is something you only want to do ONCE! Research the process and the various seals available for that job on the internet. When performing the work, take your time and double check any action BEFORE you take it. If you have any doubt in the next step, use this Forum to ask questions.
Make sure that you purchase a seal made of Viton and from a good brand. This is something you only want to do ONCE! Research the process and the various seals available for that job on the internet. When performing the work, take your time and double check any action BEFORE you take it. If you have any doubt in the next step, use this Forum to ask questions.
Don't cheap out on the seal. There are good ones and there is junk. Also upgrade to the one piece gasket and buy the gasket kit with the clips to hold the gasket and pan in place while you install the bolts. Can't imagine how we used to install a pan gasket in the car before those clips were invented.
Last edited by drwet; Feb 25, 2018 at 08:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Bradley Il.
2017 C3 of the Year Finalist
Melting Slicks
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From: Thunder Bay
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Lars
Last edited by lars; Feb 26, 2018 at 08:26 PM.