Changing rear oil seal on my 1970 p6 3500s.

[chrisdurtnall]

I have a pretty major oil leak from the rear of my engine.I am assuming its the main crankshaft oil seal but I wont know till i look.
I have the new seal which comes in 2 halves.i have read there is also a side seal for the main bearing cap any idea what type it would be from the year.
I also ordered a set of bearings .My thinking being that if the sump is of and the crankshaft exposed it would be a good time to check the bearings.
Can anyone who has done the work in the past give me some help as to how easy it is or isnt and is changing the bearings at this time a good idea.
Any info would be grztefully accepted.

 

[mikecoombs]

Check your sump gasket first. The rear mains don't normally leak lots, the sump gaskets do. The main crank seal is the American rope type. The side seals on the rear main bearing are either rope or rubber though sometimes theyve been replaced with some form of silicone sealer (they tend to push themselves out as your position the bearing cap).

The rear main process is the same as most american engines with the same seal however being an aluminium block the upper half can stick in place requiring the crank to be removed to get it all out and a new one in. The blocks can be machined to take the later rubber seal but that requires a complete stripdown as a rule.

The main bearing shells can be checked with the sump off however unless there is a reason to remove (like removing the crank to replace the seal) then I'd leave them in place as they are bedded into the crank. You will be disturbing the rear cap anyway if you have to change the seal and the rear main is usually the most worn so will tell you if they need replacement.