Rear Main replacement

[PaulProe]

My leaking rear main just isn't going to fix itself. Probably time to do a proper repair.

Can the seal be replaced successfully without dropping the crank? Is there a written article anywhere that discusses the procedures.

Familiar with putting the seal in when the engine is upside down on the engine stand - but when I'm upside down under the car, it's a different thing

? ? ?

Paul

[jmlay]

Lots of discussion on this subject. Search is a great tool:

http://fepower.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php?action=search2

[TJ]

I did it years ago on my pickup.  Raise the engine a little for some room, lower oil pan, remove oil pump so you can remove oil pan, loosen the bolts on the bearing caps, remove the rear main cap, do the seal and put it all back together.

Not impossible and certainly not fun either.

[BattlestarGalactic]

I'm sure replacing a rubber seal is much easier then an old rope seal back in the day.

As long as you offset the parting line, there will be something for you to grab a hold of.  Some lubrication should allow you to slip the new one in around the crank.

I've heard in the past of having to loosen all the mains to get the crank to drop enough to make it easier.  That would have to be determined as you do it.

[KMcCullah]

I just did the rear main on my 416. Dropped the pan. Wrastled the rear main cap out. Found the 1982 seal had a torn lip. Rolled a new Fel-Pro seal half into the block. It went easy with a few drops of oil. Pumped the side grooves full of Right Stuff. New pan gasket. Done deal. No leaks.

[blykins]

I just did the rear main on my 416. Dropped the pan. Wrastled the rear main cap out. Found the 1982 seal had a torn lip. Rolled a new Fel-Pro seal half into the block. It went easy with a few drops of oil. Pumped the side grooves full of Right Stuff. New pan gasket. Done deal. No leaks.

I havent used actual side seals in quite a while.  I’ve been using silicone with excellent results.

[cammerfe]

Plus one each for the last two comments. If you turn the crank as you push the block side of the seal through it makes a load of difference.

KS