328 rear main seal replacement

Get a different mechanic.

If you are already paying for a clutch replacement, getting to the RMS is 30 minutes.

1) Remove the flywheel (15m)
2) Remove the RMS, and install new one. Probably should install new pilot bearing
3) Install flywheel.

That is no more than 45 minutes of work. You should note that ... any thorough mechanic would quote a flywheel re-surfacing and a new pilot bearing during a clutch job. If that is the case, the RMS is already accessible. You basically pay for the seal and that is all.

I do not know what the eff he is doing with 30 hours.

 

By the way, maybe it's semantics, but there is no lowering of the 328 engine, unless you cut the frame with a Oxy torch.

 

He is either seriously crooked or he is seriously clueless. A new mechanic is in order.

 

I don't think there is a car that exists where it would take 30 hours to change a clutch and a rear main. On a 328, that's literally an 8 hour job if everything goes smooth..

 

It sounds like the tech has never done a rear main seal on a 328 and looked at the diagram and thought the intermediate plate would need to be removed. Even with his 30 hr est. he isn't getting that plate out.

The seal replacement is indeed a small task when doing the clutch and if the flywheel is coming off for cleaning and a regrind, it is 15 minutes to change the seal. The biggest issue is getting the seal in without rolling the lip. I use a sleeve over the crank to allow the seal to slide on easily.