Kevman

I know it's a nightmare, but I'm just wondering, how many have changed their rear main seals while the engine is still in the car... Because of this, I may wait until winter and just pull the engine ( It needs some major head work). Was this a common problem on the third gens?

kens86

all 2 piece rear main seals occansionally had this problem. i've fixed them before in the car. but if your engine needs more help than that then i would wait and pull it.

akmusclecar

It should be known that the 86 or 87+ ( can't remember right now) block uses the 1 piece RMS. I have just replaced mine in the last 2 months ( 88 firebird 5.0TBI ). After dropping the tranny you should have no problems with changing the seal. As far as how long you should wait to replace it, I would say to do it asap. You wouldn't want any oil to drip on the exhaust, possibly causing a under car fire would you?

jv9999

iTrader: (1)

Did you pull the torque converter cover and make sure it's the RMS that's leaking? It's much more common for the intake, valve colver, or oil pan to leak and run down.

olskool

JV9999 is right. I just got done pulling the tranny out of my '91 about 15 minutes ago only to realize that the oil pan gasket was leaking. I'M PISSED right now.

Make sure you know where it's leaking from before you pull the transmission.

mnorton

Or the Oil Pressure Sensor....

jv9999

iTrader: (1)

Yea, that too. The oil cooler adapter as well (if it has one).

1989gta

i agree with jv9999 rms is that last thing i would check, valve covers have always been the pain in my a$$ do a little cleaning then go for a drive check for new leak. It will save you the trouble of having to put your tranny back in when thats not the issue.

pvalnes

Hi,

I'm just looking in here and i have a similar situation, i would like to ask some advice about the RMS (i am thinking this old it is a two piece seal) on a 350 Chev that's still in the vehicle. This is a 1978 and it is a van. i have done some nightmarish repairs in my past and i guess i'll do another, do i need to disconnect the motor mounts and the tranny mounts, lift the motor up and pull the pan?

Paul