96 LT1 Rear Main Seal
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 1
From: Portsmouth Virginia 396LT4 435RWHP/400RWTQ Best so far 11.26 @ 123mph
Oil pan has to be dropped at the rear seal area due to the bottom seal housing gasket lip. I guess you could do it in place by prying the old seal out of the housing with something but I wouldn't recommend it for a good repair.
RG
RG
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
The LT1 has a single piece rear main oil seal designed to be installed without the pan being dropped.
The seal can be pulled-out with a screw-in seal puller (be careful to not insert it too far -- look at the thickness of the new one first).
and the new one can be installed with a home-made tool -- cut a 6 inch piece of schedule-40 PVC pipe -- it's the perfect diameter and thickness.
Then using the clean edge against the seal, with a small piece of wood on the fresh cut side, just tap the new seal in place (not too hard, nor too deep -- take note of original before removal).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 10
From: College Station TX
It can definitely be done with the engine in the car, as stated above. To help prevent leaks, make sure you follow the directions with the new seal as far as lube prior to installation (some dry, some wet).
