Rear seal leak?

[patrobertson]

On my 96 I am getting a small oil leak typically where a rear main seal would leak. I am wondering if it could be a rear main seal and if it can be replaced when I do my clutch or should I be looking elswhere. Truck has about 175k on it. I haven't heard of this happening before so just wondering?

I just redid my head gasket and new valve cover gaskets so it could be 5 or 6 valve cover leaking but I am just trying to rule out possibilities or be prepared for bad news.



WHEN IT RAINS IT POURES





Shane

 

[QRTRHRS]

Shane, I had both a leaking rear seal and one of the new grey gaskets leaking. I was thinking the rear seal had gotten worse but discovered the gasket was leaking when I had a look from behind. So, check the seal with a mirror and light first.



As far as the seal going bad, it happens on occasion. Being a lip seal, you do need to have the flywheel off to change it. Being very very careful, drill two holes for screws and use a slide hammer or something to pry it out. A slide hammer is best. There is not much surface area and you don't want to scratch the crank. As with the front seal, you want the crank to be clean of oil residue. The seal is coated with teflon and would leak otherwise. Search the archieves for old posts on the seals.



If memory serves, I think this seal was 65-70 bucks from a Freightliner dealer. You may find it cheaper if you look.

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Make sure to get the kit that includes the seal driver. This makes it much easier since the size is large.

 

[M Barnett]

I put in a SB Con-O about a month ago and didn't change out the rear seal even though I knew better. Now its leaking.

Michael

 

[patrobertson]

The kit with the seal driver is that available through Cummins? I am assuming it is, what exactly is the seal driver?



Thanks



Shane

 

['956Wheel]

Shane, The driver is just a plate, (disc) or tube the right size to push the seal in.



Mike

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Seal kit part number (with driver) is cummins 3934486 ($61)

 

[patrobertson]

Thanks alot guys.



Shane

 

[Blakers]

Is that seal readily available from a parts store? Just a good thing to have in mind when I replace my transmission later this month. I wouldn't want to get it apart and find I have to drive 100 miles for a seal.



Thanks,



Blake