318 rear main seal replacement… any tips??

[Huicho417]

I have been tracing an oil leak that I thought was coming from the oil pressure sending unit. Located the rear of the block. It has been getting progressively worse over long drives and have come to the conclusion that it is the rear main seal. When I look under the car I can see oil residue in between the transmission and engine. To the point where it starts to coat the transmission pan.

I will be replacing the oil pan gasket, oil pump and rear main seal. Any tips on this procedure as it will be the first time I do this? Does sealant get added to the rear main seal? Any pictures would be great.

Thank you in advance.

 

[mark's mopar]

pretty simple. pull pan. pull oil pump. pull bering cap. you'll have 1 of 2 types of seal. 2 piece rubber, or a rope style seal. rubber; drive it w/ punch till you can grip it and pull rest out of opposite side.(lower piece will be in the end cap you pulled out already) install new seal with small dab of sealer where they meet. rope seal? with any luck, just pull out. no luck and it breaks? use a "sneaky pete". basically mini corkscrew available at auto part store. good luck

 

[RemCharger]

Not fun. Dropping the mains a bit might help.

 

[hunt2elk]

pretty simple. pull pan. pull oil pump. pull bering cap. you'll have 1 of 2 types of seal. 2 piece rubber, or a rope style seal. rubber; drive it w/ punch till you can grip it and pull rest out of opposite side.(lower piece will be in the end cap you pulled out already) install new seal with small dab of sealer where they meet. rope seal? with any luck, just pull out. no luck and it breaks? use a "sneaky pete". basically mini corkscrew available at auto part store. good luck

Lol, I wish it was that simple of a project.

 

[hunt2elk]

Use the search function on this site and you will get a pile of threads that talk about seal replacement to you will know what you have to look forward to.

 

[91r/t]

Lol, I wish it was that simple of a project.

Just think though.....Could be the big block with the seal retainer to have fun with as well upside down haha! Those damn side seals upside down gotta be a riot!

 

[Huicho417]

Thanks for the input. Would it be beneficial to change to a high flow oil pump since I will be replacing it?

 

[91r/t]

Thanks for the input. Would it be beneficial to change to a high flow oil pump since I will be replacing it?

Depends what the engine is. If its fairly stock, the stock style pump will be fine. High pressure and high volume pumps have their place, but on a fairly normal street motor, the stock rated pump will be more than adequet.

 

[mark's mopar]

IMO, no need for HF pump. Don't be intimidated by this fix. Judging by your photos, your motor looks to be in excellent shape and rebuilt at some point. (could just be painted). Having changed my share of seals on motors with way more miles and crud, you will have no problem-l promise

 

[Huicho417]

Well, it may not be a rear main seal leak after all. From what I can tell the oil seems to be leaking from the rear corners of the oil pan. Although it could also be just the crank slinging it to those sides. The inside of the bell housing does have a film of oil.

I am looking at a summit brand oil pan but saw some comments about it not having some side indentations to allow for full travel of the steering linkage. Anyone used one already?

What do y’all think about the wear on the main cap bearing?