Rear Engine Seal Leak
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Rear Engine Seal Leak
So I've got a rear engine seal leak, the engine also burns oil and looses pressure when it heats up, AND when I drive her around I can smell just a small amount of fuel almost always.
That said, she starts up, drives pretty well (though the drag link needs replacing and maybe some work done on the steering box).
What are my options here? I know I should pull out the tranny to get at the rear seal, something I'm pretty confident I'm not up for, as I have no garage or driveway and I do all my work on the street.
I drive her maybe 20-30 miles per week, I mean how much damage am I doing? Can I just switch to a thicker oil?
Thanks,
psyverson
NOLA
That said, she starts up, drives pretty well (though the drag link needs replacing and maybe some work done on the steering box).
What are my options here? I know I should pull out the tranny to get at the rear seal, something I'm pretty confident I'm not up for, as I have no garage or driveway and I do all my work on the street.
I drive her maybe 20-30 miles per week, I mean how much damage am I doing? Can I just switch to a thicker oil?
Thanks,
psyverson
NOLA
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 9
From: Kasson, Minnesota
First I'd start with the fuel smell. I would really inspect the fuel lines, pump and carb for leaks. If it's not a leak than it may be that the carb is running a little bit rich and needs some tuning. But, my guess is that there is a small leak somewhere.
The rear main seal can be a daunting task if you have to drop the transmission to do it. Right now I wouldn't worry too much about it. One thing I would do is to run a basic compression test. You can get a compression gauge for fairly cheap, rent one, or if you have a buddy who has one and run your own compression test to see what each cylinder has to give you an idea of what your engine is doing. Burning oil could just be oil leaks rather than actually burning oil. Also, I wouldn't rely on the stock gauge to justify oil pressure. Those are not that reliable. If anything I would get a manual gauge and check it that way. Without spending much money at all you can get a really good idea on how the engine is performing and then go from there. No sense in going to all the work of replacing the rear main seal if the engine could use an overhaul. Not sure what budget you'd be on, but I'd just get some real numbers and then go from there.
The rear main seal can be a daunting task if you have to drop the transmission to do it. Right now I wouldn't worry too much about it. One thing I would do is to run a basic compression test. You can get a compression gauge for fairly cheap, rent one, or if you have a buddy who has one and run your own compression test to see what each cylinder has to give you an idea of what your engine is doing. Burning oil could just be oil leaks rather than actually burning oil. Also, I wouldn't rely on the stock gauge to justify oil pressure. Those are not that reliable. If anything I would get a manual gauge and check it that way. Without spending much money at all you can get a really good idea on how the engine is performing and then go from there. No sense in going to all the work of replacing the rear main seal if the engine could use an overhaul. Not sure what budget you'd be on, but I'd just get some real numbers and then go from there.
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Thanks
Thanks.
The fuel smell seems to only be at the start. I checked the carb. Seems the choke was stuck.
I'll keep an eye on it though.
As for the rear engine seal, thanks for the info. Again, this is basically a work truck with a home done paint job and metal work. I just want it to be reliable and not blow it up or cause any more issues.
Will check the pressure tomorrow when I get home. Thanks,
psyverson
The fuel smell seems to only be at the start. I checked the carb. Seems the choke was stuck.
I'll keep an eye on it though.
As for the rear engine seal, thanks for the info. Again, this is basically a work truck with a home done paint job and metal work. I just want it to be reliable and not blow it up or cause any more issues.
Will check the pressure tomorrow when I get home. Thanks,
psyverson
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