OK I have a 88 Firebird 305 TBI WC-T5. I assume the rear main seal is leaking (oil coming from inspection cover). I am thinking i will have to replace the seal myself (don't have funds to have someone else to do it).

Is there anything important to remember to do while replacing the seal? I don't have my hayes manual to refrence, for taking the seal out. Any special tools need?

I have replaced the clutch, pressure plate and had the flywheel resurfaced in the last 10,000 miles. Whould the oil coming from the rear main prematurely wear out any of the clutch system? I have been having low pedal issues after I found out I am leaking oil.

Any help is appreciated. All suggestions welcome. You guys have helped me keep my bird on the road this long, I am looking forward keeping it on the road for the next 10+ years.

 

Bump

 

It's pretty simple. Oil pan off, remove oil pump assembly, including the driveshaft. Remove the rear cap. The cap side of the seal just pops out. The block side you'll have to slide out. Rotate the crankshaft while pulling on the end and it will ease the seal out (rotating the crank also helps the new one in). Make sure you get the seal facing the right way upon install (lip faces inward). Stagger the seal ends from the main cap mating surface so they don't line up. Don't slice/tear up the seal. Put it all back together. Be sure to clean the rear cap mating surface real good and add a drop of sealer to prevent leaks.

Not too difficult, just annoying.

 

If I am correct, I have a 1 piece RMC. i thought the 87+ switched to a 1 piece. If I am wrong please correct me. I want to get this done as soon as possible. I have been without my bird for the last 2 weeks (don't want to run car with the possibility of low oil).

 

Doh. Sorry, I was thinking 2 pc for some stupid reason. Not sure why I was thinking 2. Yes, you do have a 1 pc.

It's even more straight forward then. With all the transmission stuff unhooked and access to the back of the crank, just pop out the old, put in the new, lip faces in and be sure not to fold the lip over or get it distorted. A seal puller helps in getting the old one out. Gentle hammer taps around the seal makes install pretty easy. Make sure everything is clean. Once the seal is out, hose the area with brake cleaner.

 

Thank you Sir for your quick response & knowledge. Do you know if oil from the RMS would cause clutch problems?

 

Yes. My RMS was leaking and oil was getting on the clutch disk.

 

Oil on the clutch can lead to a slipping clutch.

 

ok I got my tranny dropped and the flywheel out. Is there any special way to get the RMS out without the seal puller? Can i use a flat head screwdriver? There is three slits to put the puller (i am guessing). If i have to buy the tool i will, but if i can get by without it that would be easier (on the pocketbook) Once again for the help I greatly appreciate it. -Russ

 

bump

 

Screwdriver works just fine. Just be careful not to knick the sealing surfaces.