Rear main seal

[sunger]

Can I change the rear main seal on a 1968 427 through the oil pan, or do I need to drop the tranny?
Thanks
Styeve

[JohnZ]

Just drop the pan and the oil pump. Pan will come off easier if you set the timing index line on the balancer at 5 o'clock (as viewed from the front) - gets the front counterweight up out of the way, gives you more clearance to the front crossmember.

[sunger]

Thanks, that's good news.
Steve

[Vette79]

Originally Posted by JohnZ

Just drop the pan and the oil pump. Pan will come off easier if you set the timing index line on the balancer at 5 o'clock (as viewed from the front) - gets the front counterweight up out of the way, gives you more clearance to the front crossmember.

So true. This actually makes a big difference. Pan comes off nice and easy. If you are up there to replace the rear main seal, might as well replace the oil pump while you are at it. Peace of mind.