Rear main seal is leaking on engine with less than 300 miles

[Kevin71]

Got a new motor from Carolina motors and I got less than 300 miles on this thing and the rear main seal is leaking.  The pvc valve is clear and air blows thru it.  I don't understand why it would leak.  Any suggestions or ideas.

[dfrazz]

Got a new motor from Carolina motors and I got less than 300 miles on this thing and the rear main seal is leaking.  The pvc valve is clear and air blows thru it.  I don't understand why it would leak.  Any suggestions or ideas.

Carolina Machine Engines??  I got my 408 stroker from them and within a week it had so many leaks I never did find them all.  I even did a dye test and leaks were all over: rear main, valve covers, oil filter adapter, rear engine plugs, oil pan.  They said they do pressure tests and doubted it could be leak, even after I sent them these pics.  I wanted to return the engine since it was under warranty, but they said if they can not find anything wrong I would have to pay for labor and materials AND shipping both ways.  Of course this does not include them putting on a externally balanced fly wheel for an internal balanced engine.  The engine ran really good and strong, but leaked like a stuck pig.  Good luck is all i can say.

[Kevin71]

Well I guess if I have to put a rear main seal in I will put new oil pan gasket.  Oddly enough oil doesn't leak at all.  No where else on the engine.  It's dripping thru my bellhousing.  What a pain in the ass.  It's been worse over the last 8 years.  Thanks.  I feel better now.  But still 

[1 Wild R/T]

Coming from the bell housing could also be the galley plugs of the cam plug...

[dfrazz]

Coming from the bell housing could also be the galley plugs of the cam plug...

   You should do a dye test before taking on the rear main.

[Kevin71]

Would the galley plugs be behind the bellhousing?  Are these pressed in?  Screwed in?

[1 Wild R/T]

Would the galley plugs be behind the bellhousing?  Are these pressed in?  Screwed in?

Screwed in, use teflon sealer...

[Kevin71]

That would be easier to do than the main seal.  It's hard to believe this is where I wish it is leaking from.  I hate to think about trying to do the remain seal. 

[734406pk]

The pressed in cam plug is another spot that can be leaking too. One method that i have used in the past to find rear main seal leaks is to jack up the front of the car and "overfill" the crankcase with clean oil. Use the dipstick as a guide and submerge the rear seal area with oil, but not any more. Do Not run the engine, just let it rest. Remove the dust cover and lay out some cardboard under the bell housing. If you have a rear seal leak, oil will drip from the seal area and you can even remove the trans and flywheel to see it if necessary. If no leakage detected, you must have a "running"  engine oil leak (oil pressure) etc.  Check the area posted earlier and also the rear valley cover seal under the intake manifold and pipe plugs above the rear cam bearing. Most engine oil leaks seem to blow back and down, dripping from the flywheel housing area. It is easy to mis-diagnose this as a rear main seal leak. (I've made this mistake myself). Using an oil dye test can be very helpful to find the source. Best of luck!

[Kevin71]

I have a quick time bellhousing and 5 speed tremec trans.  I am going to have to pull the trans to find out.  Damn.   

[734406pk]

Good luck finding the leak. Post back your findings.

[moper]

A rear main will leak because they installed it wrong or the crank has a problem. That's pretty much it.

[Kevin71]

I am just going to have to pull the tranny clutch and see what is going on.  Thanks

[dfrazz]

I am just going to have to pull the tranny clutch and see what is going on.  Thanks

Consider running some dye through the engine to find the source.  Most likely the back and bottom with have oil splattered and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the source(s).

[Kevin71]

How am I going to see where it is leaking from if I don't pull the bell housing.  If I do I do I run the engine to get the dye to come out.