I need a little advice from the veterans. I have a 305 that is still running strong in my 82 Camaro. Below the intake manifold, it’s an all-original 305 (rebuilt once). Since the rebuild (5 years ago), I have maybe 35,000 miles on it. The RMS has developed a significant leak (2-pc). It drips a quart every two weeks I’d say on the driveway. There is a leak around the timing chain cover, too, but I’m not overly concerned about that.

My long-term plan is to upgrade to a 350, but that’s going to be 18 months or longer out…I want to build it myself & take my time for the experience & satisfaction. The wife’s short-term plan is to stop the driveway pollution thing, as she calls it.

The car is currently in the shop getting a 700r4 installed (the 200 failed me for the last time). We’re waiting on the Spohn crossmember (should be here mid-week)…so there is no tranny in right now. I asked my mechanic to take a look at the RMS while we were so close. I though it would be easy without the tranny, and with a lift, but after looking, he says he can’t do it without pulling the engine. Now, I know better…translated “it’s a PIA—let’s build you an engine and replace the 305.” I can’t do that yet, though.

What’s my best solution,fellows that have been here before?

Does it make any sense at all to consider asking them to replace one of the two pieces of the rear mail seal that they can get to, and hope that it at least helps? I’d hate to pay the mechanic to pull the 305 & put it back in...Especially considering I’d like to paint the engine bay if it comes out. But with the tranny out, it just seems SO CLOSE!!

Should I get the car back, enjoy it for a bit longer, then pull the 305 myself…and maybe go for a hotter camshaft while I’m at it (I’d have to clean out the garage, buy an engine stand…and borrow a cherry picker)? I’m eight months or longer out from being free enough to tackle it. Have to add time to pick out a camshaft, too. :P

 

The only thing I can say is to verify that it is truely the rear main seal that is leaking. You can't tell until the flex plate is pulled and the back of the engine is looked at. If I had a nickle for every engine that had a leaking rear main seal, that WASN't leaking, I'd be a rich man.

The three places that leak more often are the valve covers (lower rear corners), back china rail of intake manifols, and the rear cam plug.

If it is the rear main, it is as you say. A pita with the engine in the car. Drop the pan, pull cap, rotate seal out, rotate new seal in, button it back up.

RBob.

 

Agreed. Having the transmission out doesn't save much with a 2-piece RMS. But, it is likely it's something else that's leaking, anyway. The cam plug would be easier to fix with the tranny out now.