57 Olds Rear main seal

[Rocket 88]

I think the mentioned rear seal is leaking. Can anyone tell me what a normal cost is to replace, and what all is involved to do so.

Thanks

Rocket 88

[d2_willys]

I think the mentioned rear seal is leaking. Can anyone tell me what a normal cost is to replace, and what all is involved to do so.

Thanks

Rocket 88

It shouldn't be too much trouble if you can get the oil pan off fairly easy. IIRC the Olds pans are easy to remove with the idler arm removed from the frame. This will allow the crosslink to be dropped enough to get the pan off.

After getting pan off, the next thing is to drop the oil pump then the rear main bearing cap. The rear main seal is a wick (or rope) type. The seal in the bearing cap is no biggie to replace, but the block side seal is a little more complicated. Easiest way is lower the remaining main bearing caps enough to get the top seal out of the block and to feed the replacement back in.

Put some pliable sealer on the seal block side and feed the block seal in and around the crank.

Then tighten the loosened caps back up till torque is applied and stop. Trim the block seal flush with the mating surface. Roll the bearing cap seal into the seal groove. Then trim the seal flush with the bearing cap mating surface.

Put RTV or pliable sealer on mating surface of bearing cap and install bearing cap to block. Now go back and torque all main caps to proper torque. Install oil pump.

Install oil pan gaskets and pan. Reinstall idler link.

Start engine and inspect for leaks.

Most of this process is covered in motors manuals.

Good luck

[Guest pete324rock]

spend the extra dough to get a modern gasket made by the best gasket company.It is easy to install and won't leak