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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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what do I do about an oil leak?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DrSmith
  • Start date Start date Aug 3, 2011
D

DrSmith

Member
Sep 2, 2004
181
0
17
Maine
Aug 3, 2011
#1
  • Aug 3, 2011
  • #1
The guy I bought the car from said it leaked after he put in a new rear main sea. We already have some serious spots on the garage floor and you can see where it was parked in the driveway. We have had it less than a week. I was looking under the car while it was running and there is oil all underneath and some drips from the bell houseing (sp). There is oil streaked under the car and it smokes from the exhaust after being driven.
What should I do, and what tools are needed to replace the rear main seal. I am trying hard not to feel dumb for buying this car. I can get some help to replace the seal myself, but what all tools do I need to do the job? I have read many different stories. Should I just call and get a quote on a shop doing it? I don't mind the work if I can do it right. I was a good shade tree mechanic 25 years ago with austin healys. On those we just pulled the engine and tranny as one, then did the work. How hard is this to do from under the car?
sorry for the long post, I just wanted to get all my info out there...
Doc
 

wythors

Get off my lawn!!!
Founding Member
May 17, 2000
2,277
35
69
C Addle
Aug 3, 2011
#2
  • Aug 3, 2011
  • #2
If it is the rear main seal, and this is a very common problem on older 5.0's, this job requires the removal of the transmission to get to the seal.
 
O

oldfox

Member
Feb 19, 2009
234
6
18
Aug 3, 2011
#3
  • Aug 3, 2011
  • #3
keep in mind that sometimes if the main bearings have to much wear on them that it will allow the crankshaft to move up and down a little and a new rear seal main won't hold long. Just my .02
 

ID89GT

10 Year Member
May 26, 2008
1,659
18
49
Spokane Valley, WA
Aug 3, 2011
#4
  • Aug 3, 2011
  • #4
As stated, pull the tranny. Then if its a manual pull the clutch and flywheel off and there it is, or pull the flex plate if its an auto. Pretty easy once the tranny is out.
 

foxbodymike87

Active Member
Jul 12, 2011
739
35
39
Aug 3, 2011
#5
  • Aug 3, 2011
  • #5
easy job..did mine few months ago..very helpful if you have access to a lift
 
P

project 87 5.0

Member
Feb 22, 2010
32
0
7
sanford, florida
Aug 6, 2011
#6
  • Aug 6, 2011
  • #6
you just need your basic hand tools, nothing really special really at all. a lift would be great but many people dont have easy access to one.its pretty easy to do with just having to pull the trans. lube seal very good before installing.
 

90mustangGT

I felt sorry for girls because
Founding Member
Jan 15, 2002
2,773
17
89
Dallas, GA
Aug 7, 2011
#7
  • Aug 7, 2011
  • #7
Are you 100% sure the leak isn't coming from the back of the intake?
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,248
17,929
224
Massachusetts
Aug 7, 2011
#8
  • Aug 7, 2011
  • #8
I'd put the front on jack stands, and spray engine degreaser on the entire underside and then hose off. Then, drive it and identify where the leak is coming from.
 
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