Classic/Antique Car Repair/1971 chevelle

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/2/2008


Question
QUESTION:  a mechanic told me the car has a rear main seal leak and oil pan gasket...how
difficult is it to fix and approx. how much a job like that will cost? thank you

ANSWER: Which engine?
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: a 307 engine

Answer
It can be done in the car but it is a lot of work. Remove the front exhaust pipes, jack the engine up at least 2 inches, remove the oil pan and drop the ream main bearing. the seal can be rolled out and a new one packed in. It will take a good mechanic 6 to 8 hours depending on how the manifold nuts come loose so multiply that by your mechanics hourly rate.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.