rear main leak

[71chmark]

Am I the only one who has problems with rear main leaks?  When I had the motor out I changed the rear main seal and retainer because it always left a saucer plate sized puddle after I came home.  Now it only leaves a couple of drips but i was hoping for none.  My wife said I must not of did it right.  Isn't she brilliant?

[73Chally]

You're definitely not the only one that has this problem.  Mine was cleared up when I put the new motor in, but the rear main seal is a very finicky thing, and leaks are not all that uncommon.

[Supercuda]

I will assume that you are messing with a bigblock, as you mentioned the bridge. The side seals were always a problem, and the easiest way to deal with the leak points around the rear seal bridge is with the judicious use of RTV silicone. Use the black or gray stuff, and replace the side seals with it, as well as making a skin of it along the sealing surfaces of the bridge, where it meets the block. Proper torque, and squeaky clean surfaces (read: oil-free) will be your best friends with this part of the engine. The only other thing to do is to use an oil formulated to help the seals stay supple, or driving the car.

[Chryco Psycho]

rotating the seal slightly & a small amount of silicone on the ends of the seal can help as well