Well, I've just sunk a ton of time and money doing the tuneup, the new carb, and completely rewiring the engine bay. I took it to my shop today and changed the oil - 10w30 high-mileage. Took it out on the highway to go up for job interview, and once I got up to speed and such and was cruising, I look behind me to see smoke just rolling out from under the car. I was leaving a plume.
Up in the air, the car is just covered with oil underneath - the heaviest concentration seems to be at the back of the block, between the engine and trans - now I know a rear main seal sounds like the source, but is it going to leak that bad while driving? I heard they leak most when idling at a stand-still. I've also got oil just all over the pan - all over, from front to rear and side to side. I'm THINKING maybe an oil pan gasket, which shouldn't be TOO bad to R&R... I probably have to drop the steering link, but that's not too tough. Is there more involved in an oil pan R&R?
Valve cover gaskets have minor seapage, nothing that looks bad. Heads seems solid.
NOW, I know you can replace the rear main while the oil pan is out, but I have NO IDEA how to do it... Can you guys give me some tips? Also, where can I get a rear main seal at a decent price? Will a local auto parts store be able to get one? Felpro maybe? I dunno...
At this point, I'm thinking Carlisle is going to be a loss. There's no way I can go rolling up to that show with smoke pourin' off the car... I'd get laughed right off the grounds. What do you guys think?
Jeff
Stupid...