Oil leak

[L, B,]

I have a 390ci Ford that I thought had a rear main leaking, when I took the bell cover off clutch and flywheel dry,no oil at all, the cover had maybe 3 drops of oil in it and a drop on the outside of cover(puddle has been in that area). Maybe its coming from valve covers or rear of intake. I will clean things up before I do anything drastic. My real ? is can I put a two piece rear main seal in by just removing the oil pan and bearing cap? Manual says the tranny and clutch need to be moved back to put in a new seal. Thanks

 

[cole in mo.]

Oil wouldn't get in the clutch from a leaking rear main seal. THe seal is in front of the flywheel, oil would run down and out the drip hole. It could be from the back of the intake, that cork gasket was known to push out and leak like crazy. But to your question, yes, you can replace the rear main seal without removing anything, except the pan. But, it really a 4 piece seal, the two curved halves that seal the crank, then theres a piece on each side of the main cap. Read the instructions, takes a little time, but it can be done. also use a little black cylicone on the cap top, not a big ole gob, just a thin film.

 

[L, B,]

Cole thanks a lot, I think I can handle that. I know the intake is famous in the front for leaks as the book pointed that out, I did not know the back was, and the valve covers too. I had read that leaks could contaminate the clutch as the leak got worse with the rear main. I think I am looseing oil out the distributer too. I bought a Fel-pro Engine set and will need the seal for dist shaft.Thanks again and happy trucking.

 

[Pops1532]

If the rear main is leaking the flywheel can and will sling oil all over inside the bellhousing. I had a 351M that did exactly that and cost me a clutch.
Other than that Cole's post is spot on.

 

[L, B,]

OK thanks