Oil Leak from back of Engine

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Burgundystang

New Member

Dec 13, 2003

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TN

Sep 2, 2004

#1

• Sep 2, 2004

• #1

I think ive got a big problem. I rebuilt my engine a few months ago and finished the break in period. I noticed a few days ago that there is a really small engine oil leak coming from between the tranny and the engine (i guess the rear main seal?). I wiped it down and re-checked it today and there is a little more oil there. What do yall think?

 

LMan

Founding Member

Aug 10, 2002

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Mom's basement

Sep 2, 2004

#2

• Sep 2, 2004

• #2

yep, rear seal.

You can live with it, or replace/reseat it. Its possible to do it without pulling the engine, if thats any encouragement.... *grin*

 

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Burgundystang

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Dec 13, 2003

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Sep 2, 2004

#3

• Sep 2, 2004

• #3

Ok, so basically im not hurting the engine running it the way it is, right? And to replace it i would have to remove the starter, steering linkage, oil pan. then replace the seal? is that it?

 

LMan

Founding Member

Aug 10, 2002

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Mom's basement

Sep 2, 2004

#4

• Sep 2, 2004

• #4

your biggest issue will be the leak oiling down your clutch (if its a manual trans).

you have to drop the pan and crossmember for starters, remove the rear cap, and use needlenose pliers to tease the seal out....its a dexterity exercise more than anything, esp with the trans in the way. Best performed on a lift *grin*

Be sure you offset the seal from the rear cap, and use a dab of sealant at the corners of the seal (as shown in Tom Monroe's book).

 

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Burgundystang

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Dec 13, 2003

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Sep 2, 2004

#5

• Sep 2, 2004

• #5

Its an automatic, so no problems there?
and theres nothing i can do to help without replacing it (it wont happen to seat if i drive it some more)?

 

rhyno9

Founding Member

Oct 30, 2002

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Oswego Illinnoying

Sep 2, 2004

#6

• Sep 2, 2004

• #6

Flexplate to Crank bolts?

When you installed the flexplate did you use a sealer on the bolts that hold the flexplate to the crank? If not then I would bet "the farm" that is where your leak is coming from.

 

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PONY XPRESS

New Member

Jun 15, 2004

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Sep 2, 2004

#7

• Sep 2, 2004

• #7

Sounds like rear main. But before you start taking things apart check the following as they can trail into the bell housing. Rear of the valve covers, between the heads & block, rear of the intake manifold & pan gasket.

 

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Burgundystang

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Dec 13, 2003

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Sep 2, 2004

#8

• Sep 2, 2004

• #8

Well, i dont specifically remember putting sealant on those bolts, but the book that i used told me to so im 99% sure that did. Ill check the valve covers, intake, etc tomorrow.