Options to fix a rear main seal leak Topic is solved

redrider_64 · Post by **redrider_64** » 04 Jul 2009, 07:53

Thats a dramatic shot and I see you took the whole motor out. I just lifted the my entire Volvo 850 up on 8x8 wooden blocks staked 2 high as I wasn't comfortable with jack stands. I followed the procedure outlined in Haynes manual but put a 1x12 8ft shelving board on the frame just under the tranny. When it seperated I was able to just slide it back from the engine and then slid it back in place after I replaced both RMS and transmission Main seal. I used a small scissor jack under the 1x12 board to lift the tranny back up to mate with the engine.

Crito · Post by **Crito** » 26 Jul 2009, 10:08

For those less mechanically inclined, Bar's Rear Main Seal Repair almost completely stopped the leak in my S80. Apparently the stuff is made out of the same esters gaskets lose when they get old and brittle. So it's not a thickening agent like most of the other stop leak products. It's actually much thinner than the oil. I can see it wick on the paper when I check my fluid levels.

Anywho, for $12 bucks or so it's worth a try IMHO and it won't clog up your oil trap like some of the other junk out there.

http://www.barsproducts.com/1050.htm

Post by **sseir39** » 26 Jul 2009, 14:43

Great picture! I did one in the more conventional way but do not know if I would do another. Any way, still no leaks 3 years out.
Replaced all seals in the transmission also.

qskeptic · Post by **qskeptic** » 14 Sep 2011, 07:55

Many thanks for your posts on the rear main seal.
My S40 has developed one and I have been quoted $1700 by a couple of places.
OEM seal is $14 - Volvo seal is $150! ho ho.

I have a couple of weeks holiday coming up, do I want to do this?
I have rebuilt bulldozer gearboxes before but do I need the angst? Maybe.

The Haynes book is on its way.

Cheers BB

Post by **precopster** » 14 Sep 2011, 08:19

The motor CAN come out from the TOP. I did it myself, no big deal.

Take out the longer drive shaft and bracket for this driveshaft from the motor (2 X 14mm and 1 X 12mm bolts) and accessories such as alternator a/c compressor and power steering.

Remove the exhaust and inlet manifold and also the 4 X exhaust flange bolts (you're going to remove inlet manifold anyway if you want to do the PCV) Remove the starter, then remove the size 50 torx bolts from the flexplate and the 10mm bolts from the engine speed sensor and as you lift rotate the engine until the cutout in the flexplate matches the engine speed sensor plate.

Then rotate the crank more as the angle changes with the lift.

You may find removing the harmonic balancer will be necessary but if you are serious you'll be replacing the front crank seal anyway. Just about to pull a '99 V70 motor the same way and I'll post some pics. Love the smell of used sump oil on a Sunday morning........

Post by **erikv11** » 14 Sep 2011, 10:07

Engine and trans hooked together, out the top, is the way almost everyone does this. Then it is very easy to separate engine from trans and replace the RMS. Buy the Volvo-branded seal, you don't want to do this again, but for an 850 I paid $18 for it not $150.

There is a full, illustrated, detailed DIY for pulling an 850 engine-trans out the top, posted in the repair database here.

Reys · Post by **Reys** » 20 Sep 2013, 15:03

After using seafoam in my crankcase, my volvo has developed a rms issue, new pcv was done over a year ago, no pressure propbably just chewed the seal from that crap, anyway advise to all other owners dont do it, dont seafoam your crankcase!!!

Post by **rspi** » 21 Sep 2013, 07:51

You should post your experience in some seafoam threads.

Post by **vtl** » 11 Jan 2017, 19:51

RMS in my 05 XC70 started to leak after Seafoam as well. PCV was replaced 4 years ago, still creates a very strong vacuum.

WVVolvogal · Post by **WVVolvogal** » 10 Jan 2020, 14:04

Help! WVVVolvogal LOVES my Volvo. RMS? I don’t know.
Need name of local mechanic. Zip 25314 Charleston WV. USA or service repair guy rec.
Recently over last several months noticed drops of oil (oil) on my garage floor. Was told by oil change service guy that it was my RMS when I asked about tightening and wiping after last two oil changes. Volvo dealership here has changed hands. I lack confidence in diagnosis , quality of service and a fair price. My car is garage kept in great shape. I want to keep it. Need to keep it.
Open to recommendations . (I fixed my dishwasher via YouTube) I take directions well. where to begin?
One owner
S70 1998
97,257 Miles
Thank you