Hello all,
Now that my 74 Spitfire has finally left the garage, my thoughts turn to my
slightly neglected due to lack of time 79 504D, Annette. She has a really
interesting oil leak - it is from the rear of the engine, is variable in
that it either leaks a lot or not at all, and will keep leaking long after
the car is switched off. I was finally able to do some poking around last
night, as near as I can tell the leak is not from any of the external oil
lines. My suspicions are directed to the rear main seal - I was not able to
get under the car last night, but the oil sure seems to be dripping from
the intersection of engine and gearbox. Now given the variability of the
leak, is it possible this is some sort of crankcase pressure problem? Does
a 79 504 XD2 have a PCV system? Haynes is rather mute on the subject... If
it is the rear seal, I assume it is necessary to pull the engine to replace
- according to Haynes a much simpler prospect than pulling the transmission
due to the torque tube. I have not actually pulled an engine that I had to
put back in again, but it seems a straight forward task in a 504 diesel -
not many connections really. I am also fairly certain that the clutch is
nearing the end of its useful life - seems to work OK but feels "funky".
The other thing I need to do right away is replace the steering rack boots,
as she will not pass Maine inspection with split boots - is this as simple
as splitting the tie rod end and unscrewing the track rod? Reassemble and
get an alignment?
So, if I get my courage up to do all this myself, what else should I do for
R&R with the engine out? Any tips and tricks to make this as painless as
possible to both myself and Annette? Luckily, as she is from Los Angeles
there are no rusty bits to deal with.
Thanks for all advise!
Kevin Rhodes
Portland, Maine
92 505 SW8 Babbette
85 505S TD Claudette
79 504D Annette
74 Spitfire Freddy
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