which rear main seal?

[luigisho]

So I am looking at a new clutch soon and I am thinking-- replace rear main seal. Anyone have info about quality of brand for the rear? I am looking at Timken, National, Mahle, and Fel-pro. Used Fel-pro in the past but didn't keep the car long enough to be sure about leaks on the rear seal.

 

[rubydist]

I have had good luck with the Fel-Pro one. That is the only brand I used.

 

[zoomlater]

I have used Fel-pro a couple of times. The other time I was able to track down an OEM one

 

[luigisho]

I have used Fel-pro a couple of times. The other time I was able to track down an OEM one

Yeah. I've been looking for an oem one but haven't been able to find one yet.

 

[Tim Brand]

Oem or fel-pro only way to go

 

[Irish Pride]

I'm planning to use A Fel-Pro on my rebuild. There are a handful of OEMs out there. If that's the way you want to go send me a PM and I'll point you in the right direction.

 

[zak]

Seem to recall FelPro didn't work well as a cam seal or front main seal, but as a rear main have never heard of them having issues. If less than a full rebuild you might wish to leave the carrier gasket intact, have heard of several leaking after replacement.

 

[luigisho]

Seem to recall FelPro didn't work well as a cam seal or front main seal, but as a rear main have never heard of them having issues. If less than a full rebuild you might wish to leave the carrier gasket intact, have heard of several leaking after replacement.

I recall that as well and why I asked about any rear seal preferences in case the FelPro or other brand had any similar issues. Just planning a clutch replacement and hit the rear main. Carrier staying put is the plan.

 

[rubydist]

you have to remove the carrier to get the seal in/out, so I don't see you changing just the seal. unless I totally recall that incorrectly...

 

[luigisho]

I'm not 100% on that myself. To be honest I never changed the rear seals of the engine without it being on an engine stand getting a full gasket/seal/rod bearing refresh and that has been well over 10yrs ago now. I am usually inclined to take your word over mine in these cases as you have many more wrenching hours on these cars than I do. However, I just pulled the old '89 SHO manual out and 21-01-4 has the removal and install pic and instructions and it looks doable. I'm putting this off until I get a good several day break in the weather. I'm getting too old to crawl around under cars in the cold and rain anymore. I'll post back post clutch.

 

[zak]

Changed one once without disturbing the carrier gasket - I drilled a tiny hole in it praying that I didn't score the crank - then used a screw to lever it out.

 

[SHOMON]

I usually make an indentation with a spring loaded center punch first. Then use a fine thread drywall screw.