rear main seal

[prometheus]

My explorer has developed a leak. Its leaking oil from between the tranny and the engine. Was told that this is most likely the rear main seal. How hard is this to change out. Do I have to drop the crank to get to it or is it a pretty simple fix?

 

[RobbieJ]

It's not that hard but you will need to drop the tranny. Make sure that you use a motocraft part because I replaced mine a few months ago and used a napa part and it is leaking again. Usually I find it better to use ford parts then after market. Even though ford parts are more expensive they last longer. I've replaced my fuel pump 3 times and the last time I used a motocraft part and I has lasted. Robbie

 

[Stephen S]

It might help some of the poeple here to answer your question if you mentioned the model year and engine type.
My dad and I changed the rear seal in an 87 Ranger a while back. We had to drop the transmission, which was being rebuilt anyway, pull the flywheel off, and then revove the seal from the end of the crank. Luckily, it was the type of seal that could be changed without dropping the pan and the crank.

 

[prometheus]

Its a 91 Explorer 4x4. Has the 4.0 engine. Dont know a whole lot about it yet, first one Ive had and Ive only had it a couple of days. Thanks

 

[sink]

If anyone's ever done the rear main seal on a 94 4.0 post here too, please. Let me know how this one is done.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

Before you go to the trouble of changing the rear main seal, check to see
if the rear gasket on the lower intake manifold is leaking. The early 4 litre
engines seam to do this and the oil leak will run down the back of the block
making it appear as though the rear main is the culprit.
To check you will have to squeeze your hand down behind the valve covers
and the firewall. If your fingers are covered with oily crud, then this is your
problem. Either re-torque the lower intake (temporary fix) or install new
gaskets. Its worth a try.