Rear Main Leak

[dmford]

I have a 1986 or 87 302 that has a rear main seal leak. Is it going to be a 2 piece or a single piece seal. Can it be done by dropping the oil-pan and loosening the crank??

[dscott]

It should be a 2 piece seal. Yes you can replace it by removing the pan and loosen the rear main cap. The upper part of the seal can be tight but you should be able to push it out with a small screwdriver. Be careful not to nick the crank when doing this.
Don

[brandonF]

An 86 or 87 ford 302 will have a one piece rear main seal. You don't need to remove the oil pan to replace it. you have to remove the trans and flywheel. Then you can a small sheet metal screw, screw it into the seal half way. Then use a pair of pliers to pull it out.

[dmford]

I was afraid of the trans/fly wheel scenerio. I noticed that Jegs called for a 1 piece seal but I was hoping for a 2 piece since it is so much easier to replace. I have a Tremec 5spd. Does anybody know if there is an easy way to disconnect the shifter so I can slide the trans straight back??

Thanks
Dave

[dscott]

The shifter is bolted to the trans close to the bottom. 2 bolts hold it on. Sorry about the seal question, I wasn't thinking. I'm used to working on the older blocks. They changed to the one piece around 1981 when they made the balance change. Brandon is right on the seal removal.
Don

[dmford]

Rear seal leak stopped after I drained a couple of quarts of oil out

Thanks,
Dave

[coosawjack]

dmford,

I fought a pesky oil leak in my pre'81 408W block and finally put a sleeve on the crank effectively increasing the diameter .009" and it works fine!! Fel-Pro sells it as a "Redi-Sleeve" and others make them as well.

A product that does a great job on old, dried out seals is SealLube from New Technology Int. Phone: 810-758-3220.....Give it a try!!

Good Luck,
Coosawjack (aka-Cobrajack)