Rear Main seal stopped leaking ( I think)

[csnider]

I've had a pesky rear main seal leak for over a year,just a few drips when I park after my 100 mile to and from work route . I've been putting it off cause I can't make up my danged mind on a after market torque convereter, (If I could do a lock up I'd already be there). . Anyhow back to the subject. . I took my starter out to put some heavy duty contacts in it and noticed that the factory had installed the case pressure vent hose between the starter and the block. . it was pretty pinched off to less than 20-25% open in that area. . "hey,maybe that could be my prob with the rear main leak" I put a new hose to the out side of the starter and kept an eye on it. It still leaked but it kept getting less and less. now for over a month it hasn't leaked at all except a drip or two out of the vent hose every once in a while. I can live with that!. . Got back from a 400 mile trip monday and still clean. . Anyway I thought I'd post this in case someone else might have a pinched vent hose..... Might save your seal , you never know... ...

Chuck

 

[tugboatphil]

I'd say you found it, Chuck. I had the rear seal go on both mine, and they just steadily got worse. I never even thought to check that hose before. Thanks!

 

[Greenleaf]

I removed my starter and noticed this vent hose was all but pinched off due to the routing of said hose. The hose has to be removed to gain access to the cap screw between the starter motor and engine block. Mine was OEM and still had the paint on it. She was solid like hard plastic and so I had to cut it out from between the starter with a hack saw blade.



Scott

 

[csnider]

Yup that factory plastic hose gets really hardedned by the heat. Not to mention that the already pinched airway gets even smaller as the dirt collects in there over the years. I think this should be something that everybody checks out. . My transmission is dry as a bone still!. I lucked out. . I guess I'm gonna have to find another excuse for a upgraded torque converter now... ...

Chuck

 

[JLEONARD]

Chuck,

Good post. . thanks for the heads up on this. That's what makes this a great place.

Jay