Is it OK to drive with a rear main seal leak?
The possibility of a very fast leak is the biggest factor that makes it so dangerous to drive with a rear main seal leak. As we just mentioned, your rear main seal is in a place that gets a lot of oil thrown at it and has the added wear of the crankshaft spinning inside of it.
What is the rear crank seal?
The rear main seal keeps oil sealed inside the rear of the engine, where the crankshaft connects with the transmission. It can be expensive to repair, often $600 or more, because it typically involves removing the transmission and, in some cases, all or part of the engine.
How much does it cost to replace a rear crankshaft seal?
In most cases, the average cost of replacing the rear main seal is around $1,100.
Is a rear main seal leak serious?
Rear main seal leaks are so dangerous because it is possible for the leak to occur at a very fast rate. Due to the location, it is subject to high oil pressure. It is also connected to the engine, which must be slick with oil to function properly.
Can you replace a rear main seal without removing the transmission?
It is certainly possible to replace your rear main seal yourself, without removing the transmission, if you have some knowledge of cars, understand your engine, and have the tools. It is usually professional to perform this type of procedure.
How many hours does it take to replace a rear main seal?
6-10 hours
Replacing a Rear Main Seal However, the process to get to the rear main seal to replace it often requires removal of the entire engine and transmission from the vehicle, a job that can only be done by very skilled mechanics and even then can take 6-10 hours!
Is rear main seal and crankshaft seal the same?
A rear main seal, or crankshaft seal as it is commonly referred to, is a big, round rubber seal between the engine and transmission. The rear seal fits snuggly around the rear of the crankshaft and keeps the engine oil from escaping.
Can you replace rear main seal without removing engine?
Does Rear Main Seal Repair work?
Yes. Even though it is specially designed to seal rear main leaks, it also works better than a conventional stop leak on all other engine oil leaks. This includes the timing cover seal, cam seals, O-rings and other seals and gaskets.
What causes a rear main seal to leak?
The most common cause of rear seal leaks is age and/or high mileage. The seal can also leak due to the vehicle being stored for an extended period of time, or from running the engine low on oil. This causes drying and hardening of the seal leading to shrinking, cracking and tearing of the rear main seal.
Can you replace a rear main seal without removing the engine?
How do you fix rear main seal?
The Job Complexity. Rear main seal replacement requires a certain knowledge of engine construction as well as how it is attached to the transmission.
How to change your rear main seal?
Install the flywheel.
Does Blue Devil rear main sealer really work?
There are a number of notable benefits associated with Blue Devil’s Rear Main Sealer. These benefits include: It’s guaranteed to completely and permanently stop leaks in gasoline and diesel engine rear main seals. It restores and revitalizes dried, shrunken and cracked rubber seals. It can be used to repair leaks in timing covers.
How to replace a crankshaft seal?
Breaker bar (1/2” drive)