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rear main seal leak

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robdrewek

New member
I have a bad rear main seal leak in my 82' Marinette port side 318. Both Engines have 1450 Hrs but run great. Considering a rebuild on both but the cost is a little much to bear right now. Could just pulling the leaker out and replacing the rear main be worth the trouble? I have access to lifts and hi-lo so pulling it wouldn't be too bad.

Thanks in advance.
 
I assume you first checked that your oil level is correct and that the oil isn't diluted with fuel? I know what you mean, I personally would have a hard time justifying the time to haul out and just re and re one part but when things are tight the wallet dictates how to proceed!
 
Unless it's gushing out you can put oil spill pads under there and keep a careful eye on the oil level. I'd advise against an in-place, quick fix. Had bad experiences with that. Wait, save up, and do it right.

Jeff
 
After consideration I think I am going to pull the engine and bring it to the shop. Install new rear main seal, Check crank and install new bearings if needed while its out. Leaking way to bad now at about 1 1/2 quarts per hour. (making my bildge look like there was a tanker spill in there!!) Little work but worth it if I can get 3-400 more hours on my orginals.
Jeff, what kind of bad experiences did you have?
 
In a 55 Chevy. Horror scene!

If you're going to yank the motor, I would STRONGLY suggest buying a new long block instead of rebuilding it. A 318 is cheaper than a Chevy, and it'll have new (bored out) pistons, along with a valve job. What you end up with is a brand new motor!

Jeff
 
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