Rear main seal leaking again -- issues???

[holeshotracing]

My rear main seal is leaking. The previous owner told me he replaced the clutch (with a 13" Luk) and rear main seal at 216K. Is anyone aware of any issues with the rear main seals, like them wearing into the crankshaft? Can you get a Speedy Sleeve for one of these?
Anything else I should look at while I'm in there??
Thanks!

[BEARKILLER]

Make sure dirt-daubers haven't set up housekeeping in your crank-case vent tube.

Also, smell your dipstick for diesel odor, to be sure that the pump diaphragm isn't letting fuel escape into the crankcase.

[KTA]

There are front and rear crank seals available from cummins with speedy sleeves/wear rings included.

[g1625s]

Yup, just put one in mine...I couldn't feel a ridge on the crank since I left the b-housing adapter on, but I didn't want to chance it. The gosh dang speedie sleeve was almost twice the price of the seal...but, no rear main leak--priceless!

[rlyons]

It could be the cam plug starting to leak or the rear main seal housing gasket leaking or the housing could be cracked. If you don't want the expense of the sleeve you can set the seal a little deeper or less deep to allow it to ride on another place on the crankshaft. Do check the vent tube though first.

[dpuckett]

Did the previous owner install it dry, or did he lube it up real good? The hillbilly who did the tranny in Mom's pickup installed the rear main at the same time. It leaks worse now (if that's possible) than it did before. I'd bet a case of brewed beverages that he lubed the crank first.

Daniel

[bgilbert]

Greg, did the wear sleeve/oil seal combo install any different than a seal only? From what I understood, I needed to buy a high dollar install tool that bolted to the crank to install the wear sleeve/oil seal combo. Or did it just tap in with a 2x4, same as a oil seal?

[holeshotracing]

Did the previous owner install it dry, or did he lube it up real good? The hillbilly who did the tranny in Mom's pickup installed the rear main at the same time. It leaks worse now (if that's possible) than it did before. I'd bet a case of brewed beverages that he lubed the crank first.

Daniel

If I talk to the dude again I'll ask him. I don't think he did it himself though--probably took it somewhere. I wonder how many of these guys working in shops even know they go in dry?
I suppose it could be the tranny leaking instead of the rear main--I guess we'll find out when we go in there. It always leaks the same size spot out, about a 2 1/2" circle, and then it's done until I drive it again. I've only had this thing about a month / 300 miles so I haven't re-checked the tranny or oil since I got it (don't tell anybody.) That might tell me something.

[g1625s]

Hey Bill,
The sleeve came with a dog-dish looking install tool. I cleaned the crank with brake kleen and a lint free cloth, then did the same with the speedie sleeve. I set the 'dog dish' install tool over the sleeve and placed a 2x4 over it. A few hits with a 2lb deadblow hammer had the sleeve seated nicely. The seal went on with the same tool. Took about 5 minutes. Now all that's leaking is my cam plug...man was I dumb not to deal with that while I was right there!!!!. I can dig up part #'s for the sleeve/seal kit if you like.
greg

[dpuckett]

Holeshotracing- Check your engine vent tube. A 2-1/2in puddle on concrete can be made by 6 drops of oil. Place a coffee can or something under the breather tube and see if the oil drips on the driveway or into the can. Use a bucket, margarine tub (dont put the margarine back in the fridge- wife wont see the humor), or whatever you have handy. also, clean the whole area off real well with a hose, car wahs, what-have-you.

DP

[bgilbert]

Thanks Greg. No don't worry about the part number. I can get what I need from Cummins in Indy. I was just unsure about installing the sleeve as the good book showed the high dollar install tool. Sorry for the hijack.

[holeshotracing]

wife wont see the humor

DP

Actually, I AM the wife! I've been known to bring car parts into the house, too.

We'll check that vent tube and make sure the oil isn't coming out of there, BEFORE we drop the tranny out. Seems sensible to check the little things first!

Thanks for the advice everyone!