rear main seal r&r

[melmount]

On the 7.3 motors, when replacing the rear main seal, does the oil pan have to be removed? I assume so. I have only changed them on chevy hot rods.
I read somewhere you need special tools? I am not quite ready to tackle this job but looking for info.

[Southpaw]

I don't know the back story on this you'll have to forgive me, so I'm going to ask you - are you sure the rear main needs to be changed? How do you know?

[melmount]

i have a leak. Its not up top. It leaks thru the weaphole on the bottom o the tranny converter cover. Its either the back of the pan or the rear main. its odvious how to fix the pan. Just time consuming. More for knowledge then anything at this point.

[Southpaw]

Just making sure you ruled everything up top out first Most guys see the oil there and never look in the valley. Could be the oil dipstick tube also?
Anyway, if it is the rear main I can't help you much. Sorry. Have no experience with them

[melmount]

not the dipstick either. allready did that. Its a slow leak.I usedasmall dentalmirrot and can see the panand itsmating surface. I used sealanton my finger and sealed around that pretty well. I think its the rear main. So looking for any info or tips.

[03_Turbo7.3]

130% sure? oil will leak off the turbo pedestal and out that hole..

[melmount]

would the pedestal leak go into the valley and out the drain hole on the right hand side of the back of the valley?
The valley is dry. Nothing going out that drain hole. The valve covers are not leaking.
If the leak is up top, it has to be in the area of the back of the head. The valley is dry.

[03_Turbo7.3]

Originally Posted by melmount

would the pedestal leak go into the valley and out the drain hole on the right hand side of the back of the valley?
The valley is dry. Nothing going out that drain hole. The valve covers are not leaking.
If the leak is up top, it has to be in the area of the back of the head. The valley is dry.

yea the turbo pedastal is right at the back of the motor directly above the top of the tranny...if they leak it goes right into the bell housing..