does this look like a side seal leak (I replaced the main seal after this, but looks like leak from side as well)

Ok new side seals are in. Bottome is all cleaned up with brake clean so I will have a dry start to compare with.

I used the aftermarket style (separate spreaders that get inserted vs the OE imbedded nail type).

the old ones did not really want to come out by just picking at them so I ended up pulling the bearing cap, easy after that. Paid close attention to the bevel to avoid digging into the seal.

I was sure of the depth by measuring them 1st to see about how much should extend when fully seated, trimed of to about 1/16 with some diag cutters.

applied sealant as per the FSM (grey for oil use areas both before installation and after along the pan gasket surface per FSM on the front and rear parting lines). Used one of the comp style gaskets sold by MSA, put it on with the same grey stuff on the pan side, did not over tighten the pan bolts. I generously oiled the lower bearing cap with motor oil before installing and made sure the bearing was properly fitted to the cap, torque to about 37 ft lbs in 3 stages.

New filter and oil, disconnected the spark and cranked it until I could see the oil pressure starting to move (pre filled the oil filter about 1/2, hard to fill all the way due to side mount). Reconnected the ign and fired up, oil pressure came right up and no odd sounds (I still worried about that bearing coming out of correct alignment). Too tired to clean up the tools/jacks/mess to finish tonight so will take for a test drive tomorrow, try for a longesh trip and keep an eye out for the oil leak.

If this stops it then I can be sure the rear main is ok after my initial fix, if that is the case then when I finsh the 5sp rebuild I will NOT have to pull the clutch and flyhwheel again to look and see, as per seen in the video. IIRC the leak shows up pretty fast from a clean start so one good trip should be the test. if there is a hint of oil, I will pull the clutch/flywheel next time just to see if I can figure out what I am doing wrong. The oil leak  presented as oil right at the back of the engine on the side where the starte is, consistent with what appears to be a leak in the snip of the video.

 

 

so far so good, not a sign of oil, before it would show up on the side of the pan gasket near the back, then drip after a while. completely dry.

If you have a persistent leak near the back of the pan, consider this a possible cause. Its a bit daunting to pull that main bearing cap, I don't think I could have gotten it out any other way.

I love the threads where we talk to ourselves. ?

I've done it!

My conversation was way more important, to me. 

 I think its the silent majority.

Edited October 4, 20177 yr by Dave WM

Talking to myself means:

the conversation is always interesting and intelligent

I win all the arguments

When you live out in the woods like we do Charles people think it's funny.  When you're in an airport and hear someone doing it, you tell the authorities.