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Classic/Antique Car Repair/rear main seal leak/replacement

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Expert: - 5/28/2008


Question
I have an '86 Olds Cutlass Supreme I am restoring.  It has the 5.0L 307 V8 with severe oil leaks.  My buddy who is a mechaninc took a look at it and said unlike the easier repairs (vaulve cover gaskets) it has a rear main seal leak.
I was wondering if you could give me any information on the best way to replace this seal without removing engine and as few other parts (transmission, etc.) as possible.
Thank you

Answer
Hi Dave:
No matter how you look at it, if the rear seal is shot, you will find it easier to drop the transmission, but the engine can stay in tact. First and foremost, be sure it is really a bad rear seal before doing anything.

Make sure you clean the area good and you should notice your oil level is low after you fill her up as well as see the leaky oil. The only reason I want you to be sure, is once I was told I had a bad rear seal, but I was not losing any oil. So I ask the Mechanic how was this possible. He could not explain, so I checked it out myself and found I had a power steering line leak that was dropping the fluid right on the rear seal. Of course power steering fluid is red and oil is gray. Even he should have notice the difference. So, just be sure you really have a bad seal first.

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Vern Bullock

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Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

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I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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