Leaking

agro1 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 07:48 AM

I had my rear main seal replaced about 3 months ago, it was leaking allot and making a mess of my garage floor. 2 piece rear main. After the fix it has been dry as a bone but has just started dripping again. Nothing major at all, maybe 3 or 4 drops on the floor making a small (quarter sized) puddle.
Is this normal ??? Was just wondering if any of you also have a 351W that leaks. It is coming off the bottom of the bellhousing. Thanks in advance.

ROSS WEAVER · #2 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 08:07 AM

Agro1,

I don't know about 351's main seal leaks, but my 460 does and I've been told thats normal for a 460. I don't think any leak should be considered normal. I'm curious to see if someone has a remedy as I'm sure you are.

Ross

jams · #3 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 09:18 AM

I had a 460 in an old Pickup. Replaced the rear seal and it started leaking again. I agree no leak sould be considered normal.

Mr.Fixit · #4 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 09:23 AM

Only a few drops, that's better than normal. Ever watch drag racing, what do you think the guy with the rag is wiping off the ground while the funny car is backing up after his burnout? Consider it free rustproofing.
Did they cut the block and put in a one-piece seal, or just replace the 2-piece unit?
Quit worrying, you have what, a 550 Hp motor, in a car that everybody gives you the thumbs-up while driving, that is a chick magnet, and you are upset about a tiny oil spot on the garage floor. It is 40 year old technology, they leaked then, and still do now.

agro1 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 09:36 AM

Fixit - it's a 2 piece - Please, do you think Coast would spend the time cutting the block to use a 1 piece - those guys didn't inspect the crank before putting it in, hence the first main seal failure...I hear ya though - Not worried about it at all, I assumed a small sepage is totally normal, but was just wondering if it is going to get worse requiring another replacement...Not that it really matters in bigger picture - the car is bad A$$, the motor finally seems to be sorted out and I couldn't be happier.

bonyhadi · #6 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 10:06 AM

Isn't that your car for sale on Cobra Country?

agro1 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 10:38 AM

Bony - Yea...Is it still listed ?? Got a few bites, not really interested in selling it though...Just wanted to see what it would fetch and would have sold it for the asking price maybe a couple G's less...The 12:5.1 compression running on 100 octane was an issue for those that were interested...Why do you ask ?

Tony Radford · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 04:31 PM

Agro1,

My Windsor has had a leak since I bought it. It recently got worse, so I had the seal replaced last week. Mine has a one-piece seal that you get to by pulling the flywheel. In the process, the mechanic detected a potential leak in the oil pan gasket, so he replaced that too. Now the leak is even worse. I drove it down to Southern Automotive to redo everything. I'm running Mobil 1 5W30 synthetic oil. It will be replaced with 10W50.

Rick Parker · #9 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 07:29 PM

Could be that oil is seeping past the threads for the flywheel or flexplate bolts, use sealer on the threads. Otherwise a small thread of silicone from the edge of the seal (with the main cap off) to the outer edge of the cap mating surface may prevent the seepage you are experiencing. It's not necessary to tolerate an oil leak.

Rick

coosawjack · #10 (**permalink**) 11-16-2002, 04:31 AM

Hey Guys....

I've posted this before but for those who didn't see it, get a "Ready Sleeve" kit for your 351W two piece rear seal block. The FelPro part number is 99376 and I think you can install it with the engine in the car. The sleeve effectively increases the rear seal journal about .009".

I had the "Leak From HELL" from the rear of my 408W and replaced seals so many times I can't even count......I even talked to a guy in Mooresville, NC who will machine the block for a one piece seal. After installing the sleeve kit....NO LEAKS...NADA!!!! I even put a little oil on the block plate every oil change to keep down the rust...Ha Ha!!

I'm sure they make these kits for all Ford engines, but I don't have a part number for 460's. Call 800-325-8886 and the FelPro people will surely help you.

Give it a try...The whole kit with install tool is less than $50.00 and it works!!!

Jack

RACER X #99 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-16-2002, 04:38 AM

It's a Ford it is supposed to leak.

DJMHEMET · #12 (**permalink**) 05-07-2003, 12:57 PM

jack, i ordered the felpro kit#99376 and got a sleeve for a harmonic balaner? and even then its the wrong diameter for a 351w balancer. so im a little lost on how it would repair the 2piece rear main leak on my 408 stroker? any info would be appreciated,dave

Tinker51 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-09-2003, 09:39 PM

You all have clearly never been around radial aircarft engines. When they stop leaking oil you get worried.