Is there a trick to installing the rear main seal on a 4.0L? | Page 3 | Ford Explorer Forums

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Is there a trick to installing the rear main seal on a 4.0L?

At first glance, oil leaks can be deceiving in their origin - everything eventually collects at the bottom of the bellhousing. Clean the bottom and sides of the motor really well so you can figure out where fresh oil is coming from. I think you can also use UV tracer dye for this although I haven't done it.

Valve cover seals are a common leak point and will appear similar to a rear main seal leak. Same goes for the oil filter adapter fast_dave mentioned, and a leaking lower intake manifold gasket.
Ok! I got it up on a lift not too long ago, and it seemed like the rear main, but ill definately get some engine cleaner and spray it down... its not a fast leak... like 2 drops when i let it sit for a week, so its not bad, but ill definately check it out!
 



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@ExplorerGuy2007

Also check the Oil Pan Mounting Bolts.

The factory Mahle brand oil pan gasket is high quality; it's rubber with a steel core, and over your Ex's lifetime you'll have to ensure that the mounting bolts are snug.

Sometimes engine vibration will shake a couple loose
 






If it’s that slow, you may want to consider a seal conditioner product or similar. I wouldn’t pull a trans to do a rear main with that slow of a leak.
 






ok! I found the stp high mileage oil treatment+stop leak... is this a good one? any thoughts?
 






My 2 cents - I would try a high mileage oil (like Maxlife, or similar) over a high mileage oil treatment. They even have full synthetic versions of high mileage oils now.
 






o ok! ive been using mobil high mileage (except last time i couldnt because they ran out lol) and fram tough guard... but ill go back to high mileage again before trying an additive then... thanks!
 






I went to buy oil at Wal-Mart and apparently oil is not essential but a oil filter is
 






ok! I found the stp high mileage oil treatment+stop leak... is this a good one? any thoughts?


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lol
 












lol... im hoping to be able to get to the primary guides since ive got a backup car and some time this summer break... i already ordered the parts and they should be here next month... i didnt go oem and i got just what ever was wrong... so i only bought the primary tensioner and guide... it cost me 40 and i have to replce some other parts near it so ill be kind of close to the timing cover so ya... but i aint dropping the tranny tho...
 






If you’re gonna pull the engine, replace the seal. If not, I’d try a liquid fix.
 












ya... its not too much, it just gets annoying as i don't drive the truck that often anymore (i still do for towing cargo groceries), but not as much as i used to even more now with the virus lol
 






I’d use the motorcraft seal - I haven’t seen the felpro result in a durable seal
 






leaks getting worse :( i let it sit one night and there's a drop now... 1-2 drops a night... the additive still hasn't shipped yet... :banghead: :rant:
 






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