My brother in law asked me the other day if it is possible to replace a rear main seal without taking the motor out of his car, wasnt sure seeing I have always had the motor out. He's got a 1968 camaro rs with a 350 and a 4-speed, any help as always would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Yes, it can be done. But MUCH easier to make sure you actually get it right with the engine out. I have done it both ways.

That's what I thought but wasn't sure. He has a 350 crate motor with a 1pc main seal instead of 2pc, would that make it a little easier or not make any difference?
Thanks
Bill

1 PC is a different story. Flexplate or flywheel has to be removed and almost certainly the tranny or at least moved back. This far in might as well pull it to make it easier to remove the pan. Look everything else over while in there.

Brian

Thanks Brian for the info, seems like pulling it will be the best way to go, little more work but probably better results overall!
Thanks
Bill

Watch out for the Snowball Effect............

Done it many times in last 40 years while motor in car. Its easy, just need to get pan off. Rather pull pan than pull motor , unless motor has other issues.

Need to use the little seal shoe horns that Felpro sends with the pack. Apply a dab of red rtv on ends after clocking the seal about ¼" in the main cap to prevent leaks. Never leaked but its a precaution.

Hey Bill, check in archives as this topic was discussed really intensively in the past while...with lots of great suggestions/details to found there, eh?

capt

Done it many times in last 40 years while motor in car. Its easy, just need to get pan off. Rather pull pan than pull motor , unless motor has other issues.

Need to use the little seal shoe horns that Felpro sends with the pack. Apply a dab of red rtv on ends after clocking the seal about ¼" in the main cap to prevent leaks. Never leaked but its a precaution.

See post #3 - he's dealing with a one-piece rear seal.


:beers:

Thanks guys for all the info but after reading various posts I am a little more confused. Some them say you don't have to pull the motor or the oil pan and others say you just move the trans back and remove the flywheel without having to remove the pan. Even in the archives I found conflicting versions, doesn anyone know for sure what needs to be done? Remember his motor is the a newer model with a 1 piece rear main instead of a 2 piece.
Thanks
Bill

A one piece seal would require removal of either the trans or engne for access, I would think.

See post #3 - he's dealing with a one-piece rear seal.


:beers:

opps,