Well puppy check up !!

[tahoe]

Ok guys just bear with me. New to the forum but I’ve been in jeeps since ‘92. Well actually owning since ‘92. Ok so my newest CJ is an 1981 CJ7 with transplant AMC 304 . Mated up to the original SR4 . Runs well and I am not a mudder or rock climber, just my DD and
the occasional beach trip so the SR4 works for now.

I have the CJ in for some replacment/service work and one thing I meed is the rear main seal replaced. I realize I can do this myself but at this time I don’t want to lay on my back. Time and work injuries make it hard at this time. And believe or not this is the first rear main seal I have had problems with.

Seriously what is the time frame for this job? And cost? Really just curious.

And I realize the SR4 is a dog but right now it is in great shape so I plan to use it until it craps out.

Thanks to all.

 

[tahoe]

Oh and let me add- I acquired the CJ with the AMC 304 already installed. My buddy that sold it to me got it this way as well. The thing runs well just crappy MPG.

I have tried the the seal fixes and all slow it down but its gotten worse.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

How much oil does the MS let out?
What weight oil are you running?
Are you SURE it's the MS, and not the tranny that's leak'n?
LG

 

[Posi]

Seriously what is the time frame for this job? And cost? Really just curious.

By the book, 5 hours, at whatever they charge an hour. Around here it's $90-$135 = ($135 dealership).
Parts $5-$10 for the seal, oil pan gasket $13-$15. 4 quarts or 5 w/filter.

If you trust and know someone. 3 hours $AMC 150 -$200 and a case of beer.

 

[tahoe]

How much oil does the MS let out?
What weight oil are you running?
Are you SURE it's the MS, and not the tranny that's leak'n?
LG

Oh yeah its oil, not the nice sulpher enhanced gear oil of the tranny. Its leaking enough to P#ss off the wife for messing up the garage floor.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Be sure you are using the correct PCV valve for your engine.
AGAIN- What weight engine oil? Going to a heavier oil, could slow it down a good bit. IF you are using a syn oil-Go back to dino..........
Lucas has a engine oil stop leak, that works very well(I use it).
LG

 

[tahoe]

Be sure you are using the correct PCV valve for your engine.
AGAIN- What weight engine oil? Going to a heavier oil, could slow it down a good bit. IF you are using a syn oil-Go back to dino..........
Lucas has a engine oil stop leak, that works very well(I use it).
LG

Lumpy G, sorry for the delay buddy. I got distracted in my garage. I am using Shell Rotella T-4 15W40 along with the Lucas thickening stuff. Even using the Rislone and Blue Devil stop stuff she is still leaking. Those products only slow the flow.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Give the Lucas Stop leak a go.
A sheet of cardboard can help-
LG

 

[mriplaybass]

There is a tool called a "Sneaky Pete" made by Lisle. About $10.00. It allows you, at least in theory, to remove the rear main bearing cap and pull the seal out by turning a tiny cork screw attached to the end of the tool into the upper half of the seal and pull it out, then there is a clip that allows you to push a flexible wire up and over the rear crankshaft journal and pull the new seal into place. A factory manual tells you that you can push it out from either side. Experience has taught me that this is only in an ideal world. Every time I have tried to do this laying on my back, I ended up having to drop the crank to get at the upper half of the seal. But, maybe this tool will work for you. If it does, it will save you a ton of time.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I have that tool, and it works very well.
Make sure you soak the new seal in oil before the install.
LG

 

[Kai23]

I would recommend you to check your valve cover seal first.

Was in my case the leak. Thought at first rear main seal (location of puddle and "oil path" at the rear end of the engine). Changed it (ca. 3h of work), but the oil keeps flowing out
Looked closer at the valve cover, and there it is, the seal was blown out.
The bad guy was the clogged pcv valve so there was to much pressure in the valve cover.

 

[tahoe]

I would recommend you to check your valve cover seal first.

Was in my case the leak. Thought at first rear main seal (location of puddle and "oil path" at the rear end of the engine). Changed it (ca. 3h of work), but the oil keeps flowing out
Looked closer at the valve cover, and there it is, the seal was blown out.
The bad guy was the clogged pcv valve so there was to much pressure in the valve cover.

Its the rear main seal, I had the valve cover leak on my ‘78 CJ5 and that was easy. This time not so much

 

[tahoe]

OK Update. My guys serviced the front/rear diffs etc. Looks the rear had some water in it at one time. And it is a 2.70 something ratio. Sooooo i am going with 3.73’s and a one piece axle now. The main seal will have to wait. Heck I may even give it a go after all the responses here.


Just have to wait until I heal up a bit.

 

[007]

Yeah, you've been given good advice and I understand not being excited about either doing it or paying to have it done.

I have some occasional leaks and I just use a drip pan from Autozone or wherever you buy parts. I put in some oil pads and just change them out once a year if necessary.

Mine only seems to leak after sitting for a month or so, so friends driveway's don't bother me but that's just my Jeep so I'll count my luck stars for now... ;-)

 

[Lumpy Grits]

OK Update. My guys serviced the front/rear diffs etc. Looks the rear had some water in it at one time. And it is a 2.70 something ratio. Sooooo i am going with 3.73’s and a one piece axle now. The main seal will have to wait. Heck I may even give it a go after all the responses here.


Just have to wait until I heal up a bit.

What size tires are you run'n?
I suggest Moser, for the 1-piece axles.
LG

 

[tahoe]

Lumpy G, I am running BFG AT 31’s. With the exception of the AMC 304 swap and a mild lift from leaf springs the CJ is basic. I am keeping her stock even keeping the “SR4 ” as long as possible. I know the SR4 is weak especically behind the AMC 304 but the heaviest off roading now are the beaches in Galveston. Day trips around our area will be the norm.


I’ ve given my jeep guys free reign. They have never steered me wrong and always take care of me.

As soon as I can get to the jeep Ill post some pictures.


007, I have been using a big cookie sheet with some cotton batting as a drip pan. Like you said it works. I’ll tackle the rear main sooner or later. From what everyone has indicated it is more of a PITA job.