460 Rear Main Seal Leak

Karl Muller · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 07:52 AM

I'm told the rear main seal leak is common. I have an SPF 460/514 with 3K miles on it. Is this a fact?
I bought a new 2 piece seal...What is involved in replacing the seal?
Any information or help will be most appreciated

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 08:15 AM

Not uncommon to have a leak there, but that doesn't make it any more desireable. You have a 514, they have aftermarket cranks which don't have the same surface treatment on the rear of the crank where the seal meets it. If youe bellhousing is not dialed in to the crankshaft centerline, that can contribute to leaks there as well. Replacing the seal on the car is about a 50/50 chance of improving the problem. It could also be a galley plug, the cam plug, or jsut the rear of the oil pan seal.

Karl Muller · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 10:27 AM

I have not been into the motor yet as I only purchased it in August. What is the location of the galley and cam plugs?

BB427 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 10:53 AM

In a 460 build I turn the seal so one mating surface is 1/2" in the cap and the other side is 1/2" in the block. Put a dab of RTV on each seal end and install main cap. Have not had a leak in one of these yet. (knock on wood)

Brent

Mr.Fixit · #5 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 11:09 AM

Back of the block, alongside the cam. Remove tranny and motor plate to see them.

Karl Muller · #6 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 11:14 AM

Thanks...
Do I need to remove tranny to replace the rear seal?

BB427 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 11:51 AM

I would remove it. As FIXIT said it could be something else. If you are going that far I would check everything. Plugs,Cam plug,Etc.

Good Luck

Brent