How to Replace an Engine’s Rear Main Seal

by Joe on October 10, 2011

After seeing the puddles and checking the other possibilities, you determine you’ve got a leaky rear main seal on your car; sorry.

This has the reputation for being a really difficult job, but with the right tools, attitude, and instructions, I think you’ll find it’s not too big to tackle in your own garage. Considering that this work can cost $500.00 or more at a shop, you can save over 80% of that expense by doing it yourself.

There are basically three types of rear main seal: a solid neoprene or rubber compound ring, a two piece ring of the same materials, or a rope impregnated with graphite, all of which go around the rear of the crankshaft, behind the last Journal. All are accessed on the rear of the engine block, behind the flywheel (manual transmission) or the flex plate (automatic transmission). In most cases, you won’t even have to remove the engine, just detach the transmission and shift the components using a jack and jack stands.

The best instructions I have found for tackling this procedure are at: http://www.ehow.com/how_4697251_fix-rear-main-seal.html ; there are also some good videos of this repair on YouTube; type in Rear Main Seal in the search box, and watch a couple in order to find the one best suited to your application.

I cannot emphasize enough that you should watch the videos and review the instructions as many times as necessary to become familiar and comfortable with the replacement process!

Of course, the best situation is that you never have to replace a difficult component like this during your life with this vehicle; this outcome is best achieved by proper maintenance, and that means staying within recommendations on oil and coolant changes most importantly!

Learn something new and enjoy!

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How To Replace Ford Edge Cabin Filter

by Joe on October 4, 2011

If you have noticed the air is getting stale in your Ford Edge it may be time to change your cabin filter.

The filter itself is easy to find, both the part at the dealership or at the auto parts store, and in your vehicle. To reach the housing, you’ll need to remove the glove box door. With the passenger front door open, kneel on the ground and lean in to look up under the dashboard/glove box door. On either side along this hinge you’ll see two white plastic pins (left and right) that pull out towards the center, and release the hinge. Open the glovebox, and on the left side, you’ll see the dampener cable which keeps the door from flopping all the way open; pull this free, then grasp both sides of the glove box itself, up near where the stops are, and squeeze it until the stops are clear, and the door will come completely free; set it aside.

Looking at the area behind the glove box, there is a wide rectangular door, approximately 1 ½ inches high and 10 inches long with two plastic bars upright along it’s length; there is a latch on the left side of this with a small plastic catch that you press sideways to the right – (it may take a bit of force!) then pull out on the left side, and slide the door to the left to remove it. Set it aside.

Behind the door, you will see the filter itself – looking at it from the edge, it is white, with a sawtooth edge along the upper surface, smooth on the bottom, about ½ an inch thick and as wide as the housing; grasp the edge and pull it towards you to remove. If it has been a while since this has been changed, there may be an accumulation of dust and debris on the sawtooth ridges, so pull it out flat and put it in a trash bag promptly. If there is a lot of debris, you may want to use a vacuum with a crevice tool to clear the area where the filter was before replacing with the new filter. Slide the new filter in the same way the old one came out, and reverse the processes to replace the door to the filter housing and the glove box door – you’re done!

 Depending on the amount of dirt on your filter, you’ll know when you next need to change it – the manufacturer has guidelines, of course, but your particular driving habits may change your needs. Enjoy your clean air!

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How to Change Struts on a 2001 Ford Taurus

September 29, 2011

If you’re finding it hard to control your Taurus when going over bumps or through potholes, you most likely need front struts. This is a fairly easy, straightforward, remove and replace type of maintenance. Tools you will need: –         Jack and jack stands –         10 to 18 mm wrenches –         10 to 21 mm sockets […]

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Ford Focus How Much Gas Do I Have Left When My Gas Indicator Goes Off?

September 25, 2011

According to a highly respected automotive magazine, there is approximately 2.3 to 2.7 gallons of gas remaining when this light activates. Research and driver reports state that depending on your driving habits, this translates to an average of 38 miles of driving left after the light comes on. It is not recommended to drive your […]

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How to Change Starter On 2001 Honda Odyssey

September 22, 2011

Is there a conspiracy in the auto repair industry? I swear you can’t take a vehicle in for service without the cost going up over $1,000 every time.  I just had another run in with an auto repair shop. Here’s what happened, our Honda Odyssey mini van wouldn’t start and I thought the kids had […]

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Mobil 1 High Mileage Synthetic 10W30

September 19, 2011

Received this question about Mobil 1 High Mileage Synthetic 10W30 and thought I would share it with you.  Please provide your reply in the comments at the bottom. Hey jesse, I put mobil 1 high milage synthetic 10w30 cause my truck has 77,500 miles on it. There was 3,300 miles on castrol 10w 30 regular […]

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5W20 vs 5W30 | What Happens To My Engine If I Use The Wrong Weight of Oil

April 7, 2011

I get this question all the time and since I have offered up my opinion at multiple points in the past I thought I would have an engineering collegue reply and here is what he said: I asked: What do you think using the wrong weight of oil does to an engine? Using a 5W20 […]

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Can I Change My Motor Oil The Next Time I Change The Oil Filter

November 4, 2010

I am often asked how many miles you can use a particular motor oil.  Folks usually ask if they can change their oil filter at some XXXX miles and leave the oil in longer till the next filter change. These are tough questions with dire engine consequences if answered wrong.  Here’s why.  Running oil and […]

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How Long Can I Leave Mobil 1 Synthetic in My 2006 Corvette

September 11, 2010

Your 2006 Corvette manual says to use Mobil 1 Synthetic oil and change it on the interval that the computer tells you.  Does this really protect your engine well?  Should you leave the used oil in your engine over the winter and risk internal corrosion?  I received the questions in the email below from a […]

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2007 Ford Mustang V6 Engine Noise After Changing Motor Oil

September 8, 2010

I received the following question about a 2007 Ford Mustang V6 engine noise discovered after changing having his oil changed. Hi Jeese thank for you information, I reed you web site realy help me. I looking for oil information because recently i bought a 2007 ford mustang V6, I change the oil in pep boys […]

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