Fixing the rear main seal on FE

[R U YELLA]

Well I finished the replacement last night and it actually wasn't that bad of a job. It took about 2 hours to get the car up on jack stands and everything taken apart. Another 3 to put it all back together. There was plenty of room under the Kirkham to drop the oil pan. I had to turn over the engine to get the crank throws up out of the way. The old seal was the same kind as the new so I didn't need the "Sneaky Pete" tool. I just used a small punch to get it out some and then used pliers to get it out the rest of the way.

After looking at the old seal I could tell why it was leaking but I didn't know how. The back side of the seal that sits in the main was worn down and I didn't know how it got worn down until I put the new one in. You have to be very careful when putting the seal that goes above the crank. When you start to put it in it gets very tight and the edge or I should say the outside will rub against the corner of the hole taking the edge off as you put it in. The edge started to come off & I let up a little & moved it around until it was easy to go back in. Also make sure the seal is sticking out 3/8" out on one side so it's not flat with the main. That will prevent another leak. That also could have been where mine was leaking as well.

The hardest part was to put the main back in. It was a very tight fit and the side strips did not want to go up with the main. What I figured out was to get the main just started and then push the strips up so 3/4 of each on was sticking out the top. They went in easier then.

All is put back together but it was too late to test it out. That will be tonight. Keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks for all of your help!

Ed