Options to fix a rear main seal leak Topic is solved

rippertele · Post by **rippertele** » 12 Jun 2009, 14:07

Is there ANY way I can fix a rear main seal leak without replacing the seal? The car is old and not worth the cost for a proper fix. the engine purrs but it leaks oil pretty badly. I even get great fuel economy. It's a 94 Volvo 850 turbo wagon 2.3. The additives defiantly DO NOT WORK! Can I place a boot or something over it weld something? Any suggestions? I can keep adding oil but I DON'T like to continue to pollute the environment with all my oil!

Macs&Volvos · Post by **Macs&Volvos** » 12 Jun 2009, 14:18

Unfortunately, there is no way to get it to stop leaking without replacing the seal. How many miles are on the car?

rippertele · Post by **rippertele** » 12 Jun 2009, 14:21

150K The car still runs great but I can buy another used one for what it wold cost to make the repair. I can't even sell it.

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 12 Jun 2009, 18:05

The seal is only $30. Ever considered doing it yourself?

I don't mean to be hypocritical because I decided to live with the leak rather than either spend the money to have someone else do it or the time to do it myself. But my leak wasn't nearly as bad as yours and seems to have stopped by switching to heavier viscosity oil (10W40) that also contains seal conditioning additives.

Of course, you may also consider replacing your oil trap and PCV hoses in case high crankcase pressure is "assisting" your oil leak. Have you had the PCV stuff replaced?

redrider_64 · Post by **redrider_64** » 13 Jun 2009, 08:24

I am in the midst of a do-it -yourself RMS replacement on my 94 / 850 turbo. Local shop quoted me $850.00 and stated the job book labor estimated at 11-12 hours. Entire engine and tranny must be lowered from below and tranny must be completely removed from vehicle. Requires engine hoist and floor jack. This is the time to also replace your front suspension components since everything down to the rack & pinion assembly must be disassembled to get the tranny out. Not a job for the faint of heart.

Macs&Volvos · Post by **Macs&Volvos** » 13 Jun 2009, 14:02

I will do almost anything on a car. But I will not try a RMS on a front wheel drive car. I would rather pay the money to have it done or live with the leak.

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 13 Jun 2009, 15:19

Redrider, it may be too late if you're already "in the midst", but it would be great if you could take pictures and write up the procedures and post them for the repair section!

daddyk · Post by **daddyk** » 13 Jun 2009, 16:01

150K The car still runs great but I can buy another used one for what it wold cost to make the repair. I can't even sell it.

I don't know where you live but you can't find a great running turbo volvos around here for 850 bucks. Time to have it fixed or scrap it.

Post by **tryingbe** » 18 Jun 2009, 12:45

I prefer less talking and more doing myself.

rippertele · Post by **rippertele** » 18 Jun 2009, 13:16

Can I bring you mine!