Rear Main & Cam Plug

[sdstriper]

I'm getting ready to pull the transmission and I want to replace the seals on the back of the engine while I'm in there. The rear main seal and cam plug and seal specifically.



My book doesn't have the cam plug seal in it, when I search Quick Serve I find it for other engines. Did the older 5. 9's have one? Should I put one in there?



Can the rear main seal be installed without the install tool? $8. 95 for the seal and $40 something for the kit with install tool! :--)

 

[bgilbert]

My book doesn't have the cam plug seal in it, when I search Quick Serve I find it for other engines. Did the older 5. 9's have one? Should I put one in there?

IIRC it's just a freeze plug type plug/seal. I haven't heard of any failing. I would replace it shows any signs of leakage or anything not norm. If it's dry and no green tracks leave it alone, IMO.

Can the rear main seal be installed without the install tool? $8. 95 for the seal and $40 something for the kit with install tool!

I would think it would be tough to get the seal to slide over the crank without the pilot install tool/guide. Wow, I didn't know the seal only could be had so cheap. That's nice for when someone screws up their new seal upon install, tap it in too far on side etc. Also included is the depth driver/guide tool. I guess if you got the seal over the crank without damaging it, then you could use a flat piece of wood or the like to drive it in straight, but then getting it driven in the correct depth?? I suppose the next question would be, has anyone installed a seal flush with the rear cover and ran many miles that way with no issues? Hmm, not much help huh :-laf.

 

[sdstriper]

The cam plug o-ring was implemented approx. 95' ish, the head was machined for it. The previous design will not use it, so I have answered my own question on that one.



Smart thing to do is buy the rear seal kit I suppose.

 

[dpuckett]

The cam plug goes in the block, and the one in my 91 puked right after I replaced the rear main seal. Unfortunately, I had made a 2K mi trip just after that (this was when I had delusions of moving back out west), and used 3 or 4 gal of oil in that time. It is on the block, just above the starter- 6-9". You have to take the starter and flywheel adaptor off to get to it. It was like $1. 39 from Cummins in Sikeston MO in 04.



Where are you getting seals for $8. 95? This IS the 6" or so seal that goes on the back of the crank? Double lipped teflon and all? Last one I got at employee price was $40.



Daniel

 

[sdstriper]

Slipped up there. The welch plug or cam plug hole was machined for an o'ring in the 95' ish and up block.



The seal with installation tool is $41. 14, the seal alone is $8. 95. That is right off Quick Serve using part number from the 1989 D250/350 part catalog.

 

[PToombs]

I'd be suspicious of those prices. I bought my seal and "tool" plastic ring at work for cost, $44. The actual tool to install is a round piece that bolts to the crank, with a ring that pushes the seal in when you tighten the nut. I'm sure that cost over $150 from OTC.

 

[mykal41]

I am also going to do my rear main seal this weekend. I have a bad oil leak, I think it the main. There is alot of oil under the truck, And on the driver side rear of the block. Could this be something else. Its leaving a little puddle above the starter.

 

[sdstriper]

I am also going to do my rear main seal this weekend. I have a bad oil leak, I think it the main. There is alot of oil under the truck, And on the driver side rear of the block. Could this be something else. Its leaving a little puddle above the starter.

That could be the cam plug, for a couple bucks I would be prepared to replace it while I was in there.

 

[dpuckett]

mykal41- cam plug or tappet cover. CLean the block off back there and check for new leaks.



DP

 

[mykal41]

do you guys have a part # on the cam plug. Local dealer just showed some freeze plugs and had none in stock. I was really hoping to get this done tommorow. I am so limited for time.

 

[sdstriper]

do you guys have a part # on the cam plug. Local dealer just showed some freeze plugs and had none in stock. I was really hoping to get this done tommorow. I am so limited for time.

3900687 is the P/N from the 89' book, their computer will update it to a superseding p/n. It is an expansion plug.