Replacing the rear main seal....argghhh!

steve meltzer · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 10:13 AM

I've been told that one can replace the rear main seal on a 427 by just R&Ring the pan. Is this true on our Kirkhams, or does one need to pull the engine out, or at least the tranny, bellhouseing and flywheel? thanx steve

mj_duell · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve meltzer

I've been told that one can replace the rear main seal on a 427 by just R&Ring the pan. Is this true on our Kirkhams, or does one need to pull the engine out, or at least the tranny, bellhouseing and flywheel? thanx steve

Yes, It is true and it is not fun. Are you sure it is the rear main? I went through this last year and I was sure it was the rear main. After replacing the seal it was still leaking. Turned out to be a galley plug. Trust me on this, pull everything including the fly wheel and save yourself some grief. It could be the cam seal or the oil galley plugs on the FE's. You will have an easier time with the rear main either way.

--Mike / Turn Ten Racing, Inc.

mr0077 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 02:58 PM

Well, I respectfully disagree with Mike. IMHO, I would (and DID) pull the rear main by just dropping the pan, relatively painless. I also pulled the transmission and flywheel, thinking it was the rear galley plugs, and found (THAT time) that it was the rear valley seal on the manifold.
I would either run a tracer dye if you're not absolutely CERTAIN it is the rear main (to eliminate the rear valley and the galley plugs), or just pull it and change it, not really that hard.
Just my 2 cents worth...

Bud Man · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 03:06 PM

Cobra + FE = Anything but painless...................

All good advice above...Steve. You might do well to make sure the cooler hose fittings are not leaking at the block off plate. Those NPT's can be a ***** to properly seal.

Bud

Bud Man · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 03:11 PM

Sorry...those NPT's can be a beach to properly seal..

Bud

steve meltzer · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 05:29 PM

The rear main seal is my diagnosis. I might take it for a second opinion. Wonder if my COBRA insurance will cover it?? thanx guys.
Note to Bud Man: great to hear from you! s

Bud Man · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 05:58 PM

Good to see your post, Steve. Sorry you are having what appears to be a rear main leak. Hopefully it's not. Honestly, for the life of me I don't know how you can fix it w/o extracting the motor, but hey what do I know. I hope you are well, and enjoying the summer.

Bud

steve meltzer · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 06:05 PM

any brand names or suggestions for finding the oil tracer? I think you need a black lite as well...wonder if I can score a nickel bag with that! Should have taken my roomate's when I was in college. s

mr0077 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 06:04 AM

Steve, I got some tracer dye at an auto parts house, got a standard UV light bulb for my drop light at Home Depot I think.

steve meltzer · #10 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 07:40 AM

just ordered a kit that included those really cool yellow glasses. whata trip. thanx s