Importance of replacing rear main seal?

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Jan 18, 2014 | 02:43 PM

Forcefed86

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From: Wichita, KS

Importance of replacing rear main seal?

So I bought new forward and rear main seals last year. Sealed great all race season. I'll be running a new LS motor this year.

I'm always hearing talk of the LS series engines and reusable gaskets/seals. Have you all had good luck reusing lightly used seals? Or better to just buy new for the front and rear?

This is a $500 motor. And just a drag toy. If theres a good chance I don't need seals, then I'd like to just reuse what I have. If people have had bad experiences doing so, I'll grab some new seals.

Thanks

Jan 18, 2014 | 05:16 PM

soundengineer

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if you have easy access to it...you might as well replace them...
wouldnt want an oil leak in the middle of your car to cause the rear tires to lose traction at high speeds.

Jan 19, 2014 | 08:59 AM

axld

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From: florida

agree, good example , replaced mine ( rear)before tranny went in just for good measure.

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Jan 19, 2014 | 10:56 AM

Forcefed86

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I can see replacing an "old" seal. What I'm saying is the seals are less than a year old with maybe 1500 miles on them. After inspecting the slightly used seals I'm going to run them. They look new. Time will tell...

Jan 19, 2014 | 11:02 AM

soundengineer

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Forcefed86

why ask if you should, when you are just going to do what you want anyways?

Jan 19, 2014 | 01:21 PM

Forcefed86

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Quote:

Originally Posted by soundengineer

why ask if you should, when you are just going to do what you want anyways?

Couple reasons...

First I hadn't seen my old seals, and I wanted opinions to help me make my decision.

Second I was asking if anyone had actual experience with my specific situation. What I got was a basic ""might as well" answer.

Yes, obviously if I'm doing routing maint. and have access to a seal thats 8 years old and has 80,000 miles or more on it I'm going to change out the seal.

These seals have very little miles and looked "like new". So I made my own decision.

Thanks for your opinion though... about as useful as always.

Jan 19, 2014 | 04:02 PM

billymgb1000

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From: harrisville R.I

Hey forcefed I rebuilt my motor last year and reused a few like valley,valve covers and front crank seal and they were 2years old but looked good and no leaks so do what you want