Rear main leaking

Malahki · Post by **Malahki** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 8:12 pm

Just bought a 1972 710m a few weeks ago. Had it shipped to the Canada/USA border and when I picked it up it was about -15*C (5*F). Even after several minutes of running it would try to stall when letting out the clutch despite being in neutral. I kept working the clutch in and out until I was able to release it completely but it took at least 5 more minutes and I ended up smelling burnt clutch.

Everything looked good underneath when I bought it, thanks to the previous owners wash job. But now after sitting for a couple weeks in the garage the bell housing is dripping motor oil......not to mention all of the other leaks.

I assume the rear main seal is shot and the build up of oil and crap is the cause of the clutch issues in the cold weather. Two questions:

1) Can the rear main be replaced without a complete engine dis-assembly? I should mention their is signs of the front seal leaking as well and the truck has 72 000km's showing and has been wrapped once. With no knowledge of previous work.

2) Will I likely need to replace the entire clutch assembly at the same time? Or can it all be cleaned and reused.

Malahki · Post by **Malahki** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 10:11 am

Let me simplify the question:

1) Can the rear main seal be replaced without a complete overhaul?

Jim LaGuardia · Post by **Jim LaGuardia** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 12:54 pm

Yes, the seals are fairly easy to do.
Remove trans and flywheel to expose the seal.
Pay close attention to it's depth/position.

Inspect the clutch components while apart

Cruise my picture galleries for repair images.

edzz · Post by **edzz** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 1:15 pm

just the part

http://www.expedition-imports.com/produ ... -Seal.html

Ed

audiocontr · Post by **audiocontr** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 4:05 pm

Are you sure its engine oil and not gear oil from the transmission?

Both of my trucks drip a bit from that area. They can create a stain about the size of a few loonies. I'm not overly stressed out about it... the trucks are old! I expect some leaks here and there. Just keep on the fluids.

Now if its a massive leak, well thats another story

Malahki · Post by **Malahki** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:30 pm

Thanks for the responses. Very relieved to find out an engine overhaul is not in my immediate future.

Yes it is definitely engine oil and the leak is severe enough to warrant the work. The transmission was coming off regardless to address the issue mentioned earlier.