How to tell if rear main seal is leaking

Venom S · #1 (**permalink**) 12-16-2003, 01:47 PM

I have noticed that I'm getting a significant amount of oil on the floor where the engine mates to the bellhousing. I'm concerned that rear main seal is leaking. How can I determine that it's the seal or the oil pan?

Bill

Turk · #2 (**permalink**) 12-16-2003, 01:53 PM

Bill,
I thought I had a rear main seal leak for sometime. Sold the engine, and the new owner discovered it was not RMS after all. Valve covers!! Check the valve covers good, before you look at the engine!

TURK

blykins · #3 (**permalink**) 12-16-2003, 01:57 PM

Pull the inspection plate off the bellhousing...you can tell there. Is the clutch slipping?

Venom S · #4 (**permalink**) 12-17-2003, 07:12 AM

Turk-

Checked the back of the heads with my hands last night - no oil

Blykins-

I have a Lakewood scattershield with an explosion plate. Can't remove anything to take a close look. Yes the clutch slips and I noticed the inside of the bellhousing is very, very oily.

Bill

blykins · #5 (**permalink**) 12-17-2003, 07:35 AM

Sounds like you got a leaky main seal then......Man, that's gonna be a pain in the rearend.

Venom S · #6 (**permalink**) 12-17-2003, 11:47 AM

I was afraid you would say that. Oh well, time to R&R the engine

Thanks for the help

CowtownCobra · #7 (**permalink**) 12-17-2003, 11:51 AM

Is it a new block? Could be a defect in the casting.

Venom S · #8 (**permalink**) 12-17-2003, 12:09 PM

Dave-

It's a seasoned (1971) block.

blykins · #9 (**permalink**) 12-17-2003, 01:52 PM

One thing....are you sure it was motor oil and not tranny fluid? It could be an input shaft seal leaking.