3500 GT Rear Main Seal | FerrariChat
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3500 GT Rear Main Seal

Discussion in 'Maserati' started by redfred84, Oct 9, 2022.

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  1. redfred84

    redfred84 Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2010
    717
    SF Bay Area, USA
    #1 redfred84, Oct 9, 2022
    It appears that I have a massive oil leak suddenly. Of course this is right after I installed a rebuilt ZF 5 spd, and clutch. I'm wondering if the rear main seal is replaceable whilst in the car? Can I just drop the pan, and have at it? Any first hand experience on this?

    Many Thanks, RF.
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  2. eogorman

    eogorman Formula Junior

    May 10, 2005
    334
    Buhl, ID
    Full Name:
    Eugene O'Gorman
    #2 eogorman, Oct 10, 2022
    THe rear main is not replaceable with the engine in the car. You need to remove the crankshaft to replace it. Good time to replace rings and bearings as well
     
  3. staatsof

    staatsof Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 13, 2005
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    Bob
    #3 staatsof, Oct 10, 2022
    Oh my lord ... :eek:
     
  4. thecarnut

    thecarnut F1 Rookie
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    Apr 22, 2006
    3,203
    Atlanta
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    The Car Nut
    #4 thecarnut, Oct 10, 2022
    Before you start to take things apart you may want to try a couple of cans of this sealer:
    https://www.amazon.com/BlueDevil-Rear-Main-Sealer-Ounce/dp/B0079JX4JO/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3A6S5QM1XGN47&keywords=rear+main+seal+leak+stop&qid=1665432608&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjI0IiwicXNhIjoiMi40NyIsInFzcCI6IjIuMzQifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=rear+main+seal+%2Caps%2C4732&sr=8-5

    I am normally not into snake oil but in this case the alternative is pretty ugly so I would try it ..... reviews are generally good.

    Ivan
     
  5. sinkman

    sinkman Karting

    Oct 28, 2010
    245
    Melbourne Australia
    Full Name:
    Phil
    #5 sinkman, Oct 12, 2022
    Having a Mexico with a split rear main seal like this car, I had the same problem recently. It may be a loose bolt in the bell housing - as was the case for me. Cheapish resolution, otherwise it is catastrophic repair, as per quote above. Try the carnut stuff if not the bolt...
     
  6. redfred84

    redfred84 Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2010
    717
    SF Bay Area, USA
    #6 redfred84, Oct 12, 2022
    Thanks All. I report in when I get the nerve to attack this.
     
    Aramon likes this.
  7. thecarnut

    thecarnut F1 Rookie
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    Apr 22, 2006
    3,203
    Atlanta
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    The Car Nut
    #7 thecarnut, Oct 12, 2022
    Just curious if when you did the clutch you used an impact wrench to remove the flywheel bolts. Perhaps the vibrations on the crank caused the seal to fail. Not that I would have used a different method as those bolts are almost impossible to remove without an impact wrench.

    Ivan
     
  8. redfred84

    redfred84 Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2010
    717
    SF Bay Area, USA
    #8 redfred84, Oct 13, 2022
    Hi Ivan,
    I forget actually, but most likely I did. The car has always leaked a lot of oil, but I was so excited doing the trans & clutch, I neglected to even think about the main seal. It's a very original, unmolested car, that sat for some 30 years outside. I just thoroughly cleaned the underside, and will try to pinpoint the leaks now. It's never been apart, and I run Valvoline racing 50wt oil.
    Fingers Crossed, RF.
     
  9. redfred84

    redfred84 Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2010
    717
    SF Bay Area, USA
    #9 redfred84, Oct 15, 2022
    I managed to get the car back up on the lift after a brisk run since the cleaning. It appears that the bulk of the oil leak is coming from the left cam cover!

    Fingers Crossed, RF.
     
  10. staatsof

    staatsof Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Bob
    #10 staatsof, Oct 15, 2022
    The car lift, house and driveway are pretty interesting too.
     
  11. redfred84

    redfred84 Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2010
    717
    SF Bay Area, USA
    #11 redfred84, Oct 16, 2022
    The lift is a 1947 inground; mounted so that it lowers into the recess, and is covered by an aluminum plate for a flush, drive over surface when not in use. The siding is "Old Kentucky Logs" A cement takeoff from 100 year old hand hewn logs. They average to be about 2" thick; concrete with rebar; insulating, no rot, no bugs, non flameble, low maintanance. Pavers complete the driveway.
     
    staatsof likes this.

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