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DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: giorgakis14 on May 03, 2016, 03:20:33 PM

Title: Leaky rear main
Post by: giorgakis14 on May 03, 2016, 03:20:33 PM

Hey guys. Well I'm having some issues today.  I just finished installing a m42 from a e36 and I went to fill it up with oil and noticed a leak between the engine and trans.  It is fresh oil. I did change the rear main even though its my first time doing one if I installed it wrong. Maybe a fold in the seal? Would oil just leak out with the engine off? I have no choice but to remove the trans now but what I'm really wondering is does the oil in the pan sit up to the rear main seal? Any help is appreciated

Title: Re: Leaky rear main
Post by: Delta on May 03, 2016, 03:47:12 PM

The rear main seal has a lip that has to be installed a certain way onto the crankshaft. If that lip was not fit around the crank when it was installed it will surely leak out with the motor off. That said, the oil pan does not go all the way up to the rear main. The seal itself is pressed into a small plate that bolts to the oil pan and the back of the block. There is a metal gasket that can be replaced to seal this plate if it is removed.

Best of luck to you!

Title: Re: Leaky rear main
Post by: giorgakis14 on May 03, 2016, 06:10:33 PM

I remember the RMS housing and I did use the gasket with a little Honda bond.  My main question is with the oil on the full mark of the dipstic is it high enough to reach the rear main seal?

Title: Re: Leaky rear main
Post by: Delta on May 06, 2016, 10:45:21 PM

Typically no, the oil level wouldn't be higher than the seal. The crank itself it not in the oil, so the oil should not be up to the seal.

Title: Re: Leaky rear main
Post by: giorgakis14 on May 26, 2016, 11:21:06 AM

thanks for the help guys. i figured it out im an idiot. when i put the rms housing on i did not tighten the two lower bolts all the way so it did not create a good seal.