LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

LT1 Rear Main Seal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 31, 2019 | 09:53 AM
  #46  
Chimera96's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,120
Re: LT1 Rear Main Seal

Ouch, that sucks Drew. Might want to pick up a oil dye kit and first wipe down all the areas you do see oil now. Changing pan gasket with engine in car is no small job so I would first confirm "where" the leak originates. Oil migrates down to the lowest point. Maybe its as simple as a valve cover gasket.

If you do the pan gasket rotate motor to # 6 TDC to give you more clearance. Remember to remove the oil level sensor first. Make sure none of the encased metal spacers of the old pan gasket remained on the rear posts of the RMS adapter when you pull the old pan gasket...or your new gasket will leak
Old Dec 31, 2019 | 06:21 PM
  #47  
DrewHMS97SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,917
From: Las Vegas
Re: LT1 Rear Main Seal

I think dye will be the next step if the pan gasket doesn't fix it. From what I can tell, it looks like some of the RTV is coming up on the pan side. This time around I am hoping that by taking the pan off completely, I will be able to do some better work, as well as add from what I learned form the intake:
1. Better clean the mating surfaces
2. Look for possible issues with the pan rails flatness
3. Allow the RTV to cure for an hour before torquing down the pan to final spec

I have already taken white shop towels over the back of the intake and around the valve covers, it doesn't appear to be the case. I am fairly certain the the oil level sensor will not come out without taking the headers off. I have a Canton pan; I don't believe the sensor interferes with the pickup, but I will gingerly move the pan when removing.

Fingers crossed!
Old Jan 1, 2020 | 10:06 AM
  #48  
Chimera96's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,120
Re: LT1 Rear Main Seal

The oil level sensor is around 4" long and with a stock pan would need to come out before pulling pan. IDK about the Canton.

Old Jan 1, 2020 | 10:18 PM
  #49  
DrewHMS97SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,917
From: Las Vegas
Re: LT1 Rear Main Seal

This car is temperamental. Last night while getting ready to do the pan, I decided to pull out the UV light to see what was hanging around. There was still enough dye in the block that new oil was still pretty bright. That verified that the RMS is clear but I did see pool at the back pig the pan. There was a ton of oil splatter over the block, so instead of digging in last night, I sprayed the whole block down with brake clean and wiped everything I could touch.

This morning I started it, let it run for about 10 minutes with a number of 5k revs, and not a drop of leak. I spent the day installing adjustable A arms and Bilstien HD struts.

I am guessing that whatever is leaking requires some actual stress on the engine and chassis. At very least, I am now a beast at taking off the starter and dust shield. I will keep this updated as I know more!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nervekiler
LT1 Based Engine Tech
3
Oct 11, 2006 05:43 AM
badasschevy625
LT1 Based Engine Tech
4
Nov 28, 2005 06:16 PM
phil94-T/A
Pacific
5
Mar 11, 2004 12:27 AM
tim95z28
LT1 Based Engine Tech
2
Jan 4, 2004 04:55 PM
Dave88LX
LT1 Based Engine Tech
2
Mar 12, 2003 08:42 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:41 PM.