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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Rear Main Seal

  • Thread starter Thread starter 7upstang91
  • Start date Start date Jun 3, 2009

7upstang91

10 Year Member
May 30, 2008
936
124
74
Florida
Jun 3, 2009
#1
  • Jun 3, 2009
  • #1
I'm going to be replacing the clutch this weekend. Do anyone know if company has a better seal than anyone else? This may just be a dumb question.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,260
17,945
224
Massachusetts
Jun 3, 2009
#2
  • Jun 3, 2009
  • #2
I've heard the Teflon-lined one from Autozone is actually a good peice to use.
 
B

bentley429

Banned
Nov 25, 2004
528
3
0
Connecticut
Jun 3, 2009
#3
  • Jun 3, 2009
  • #3
They will all leak.
 

Darkwriter77

Resident Ranting Negative Nancy
5 Year Member
Jul 1, 2005
314
281
134
Apache Junction, AZ
Jun 3, 2009
#4
  • Jun 3, 2009
  • #4
Mustang5L5 said:
I've heard the Teflon-lined one from Autozone is actually a good peice to use.
Click to expand...

+1

Put one on my notch a few years back, and it hasn't leaked a drop of oil from the rear main since. I'd recommend it, as well.

Unfortunately, the motor is leaking from just about every OTHER seal now, though...
 

Aaron

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 5, 2003
95
40
38
Buffalo, NY
Jun 3, 2009
#5
  • Jun 3, 2009
  • #5
Rear mains aren't supposed to leak?
 

4G-KDMP

10 Year Member
Jul 23, 2005
935
19
39
CA
Jun 3, 2009
#6
  • Jun 3, 2009
  • #6
^^^And if you install the right seal it won't, after installing 4 I wonder how I'd know that
 

25thmustang

Mustang Master
Sep 5, 2003
2,021
85
99
Montgomery, NY
Jun 4, 2009
#7
  • Jun 4, 2009
  • #7
Doing mine this or next week... need one that doesn't leak, so I'm subscribing.
 

skunk21

Active Member
May 22, 2007
1,203
3
36
Taxachusetts
Jun 4, 2009
#8
  • Jun 4, 2009
  • #8
I used the felpro 2941 installed dry ( that's they way they call for it), it leaked a tiny bit for few miles didn't keep an eye on how many miles but I was pissed, it didn't leak as bad has the old one but it was new and it ticked me off. after some drive time like I stated it doesn't leak anymore, the area is dry, must need to swell up or seat . this was close to a year ago and still no leaks. I finally got my new T5 done not to long ago and that got rid of my leaky, clunky stock T5 .. now my garage floor is free of cardboard, nice, clean & dry under her
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,260
17,945
224
Massachusetts
Jun 4, 2009
#9
  • Jun 4, 2009
  • #9
There is a little "wear-in" that does take place. A lot of guys suggest to lightly sand the crank with sandpaper to roughen it up and allow the seal to wear in a new "seat"

I've also heard of seals that position the seal in a different spot so that it wears in a new location.

Also, install tools can make a difference. There is a $100 RMS instal tool...but I used a $1.99 4" PVC knock-out cap for mine i got at home depot.

Also, PCV systems can cause the RMS to blow out oil if the crankcase is pressurized. So make sure your setup is running correctly


I don't have a clear answer on this though. I haven't even started my engine yet to see if my latest install leaks or not
 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
9,692
95
99
PA
Jun 4, 2009
#10
  • Jun 4, 2009
  • #10
The teflon seals take excessive heat better and tend to last longer. I still put a thin coating of permatex black around the seal then tap it in place, this has proven to be a leak free method for me after letting it sit overnight. When I build motors I put the seal on before I torque the cap down, this has been a god send in preventing leaks...
 

25thmustang

Mustang Master
Sep 5, 2003
2,021
85
99
Montgomery, NY
Jun 4, 2009
#11
  • Jun 4, 2009
  • #11
So the Teflon lined one with a thin coat of permatex around the outside and let it set up over night???
 

Adams91LX

Active Member
Dec 9, 2003
689
12
29
Plano, TX
Jun 4, 2009
#12
  • Jun 4, 2009
  • #12
Rick ftw....

I'd trust him.
 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
9,692
95
99
PA
Jun 4, 2009
#13
  • Jun 4, 2009
  • #13
25thmustang said:
So the Teflon lined one with a thin coat of permatex around the outside and let it set up over night???
Click to expand...

Yeah if I have to replace one on a motor that is together that is what I do. The key is making sure the area is clean and make sure you do not destort or damage the seal when you tap it in, I deburr the block and rear cap since they are usually sharp and shave the outisde of the seal as you tap it in. Put a very thing coat of oil on the crank with your finger so you don't damge it while you tap it in, just make sure it doesn't drip in your seal area.

Once of my buddies learned to pack the rear side of the seal with grease first then tap it in, I had limited success with that method but a old timer he worked with swore by it....

They also sell "double lipped" seals, usually run on cars with vac pumps only but I would assume this would work well on a reg application also. It does require a special install tool, or atleast it is recommended.
 

25thmustang

Mustang Master
Sep 5, 2003
2,021
85
99
Montgomery, NY
Jun 4, 2009
#14
  • Jun 4, 2009
  • #14
I will probably do as you suggest Rick. Sounds to be the most straight forward way, and if I take my time and do it right should get what I'm looking for (no more leak).
 

skunk21

Active Member
May 22, 2007
1,203
3
36
Taxachusetts
Jun 4, 2009
#15
  • Jun 4, 2009
  • #15
Mustang5L5 said:
There is a little "wear-in" that does take place. A lot of guys suggest to lightly sand the crank with sandpaper to roughen it up and allow the seal to wear in a new "seat"

I've also heard of seals that position the seal in a different spot so that it wears in a new location.

Also, install tools can make a difference. There is a $100 RMS instal tool...but I used a $1.99 4" PVC knock-out cap for mine i got at home depot.

Also, PCV systems can cause the RMS to blow out oil if the crankcase is pressurized. So make sure your setup is running correctly


I don't have a clear answer on this though. I haven't even started my engine yet to see if my latest install leaks or not
Click to expand...

I used some emery cloth to smooth up the crank, and the checking the pvc system is a great idea. I replaced my screen and valve when I did my intake.

Rick 91GT said:
The teflon seals take excessive heat better and tend to last longer. I still put a thin coating of permatex black around the seal then tap it in place, this has proven to be a leak free method for me after letting it sit overnight. When I build motors I put the seal on before I torque the cap down, this has been a god send in preventing leaks...
Click to expand...

I should have clearified my fault, I did use rtv on the O.D. but left the I.D. dry, this was the area I ment to leave dry, must have to do with the teflon or something. I know on the rubber rear mains some guys would use motor oil or grease them( I.D.).
 

7upstang91

10 Year Member
May 30, 2008
936
124
74
Florida
Jun 5, 2009
#16
  • Jun 5, 2009
  • #16
Allright guys! Thanks! I picked up mine from Napa and the lady asked if i wanted the cheap one or premium. I laughed at her and said for a $10 difference thats a no-brainer for 8 hours of work. Some kind of sealer would be best?
 
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