High(ish) temp observation-rear main
#1
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Year: 1999
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High(ish) temp observation-rear main
I'll start off by saying that I know my rear main leaks a little...but it's only a little, just a few drops on the driveway that I only notice over time. What's new right?
BUT-yesterday it was really hot here, as it has been all week. I haven't overheated but usually run right around 210-215'ish. Yesterday the engine was running a little hotter than normal-probably 220, and I kept noticing that I'd have an occaisional cloud behind me. I thought maybe I had a hose leak and it was steam, so I kept a strict eye on temps and stayed the course for home. So when I GOT home (no overheat still), I noticed that I had oil dripping, like 4 drops or so fairly quickly. The smoke cloud was because that had happened while driving and the oil was hitting the crossover pipe. I also observed a nice coating of oil on towards the rear running gear and stuff. I don't think it's out of hand, oil is like blood, it doesn't take much to look scary! I could be wrong though! The dipstick showed no change though so I calmed a lot when I saw that..
NOW. This morning on my way into work, temps stayed below 210 as they do every morning-NO CLOUDS, NO LEAKING.
Hood vents are in my future but how concerned do I need to be about this rear main seal? Also, does the temp thing make sense? Leaks when hot but only past 210?
BUT-yesterday it was really hot here, as it has been all week. I haven't overheated but usually run right around 210-215'ish. Yesterday the engine was running a little hotter than normal-probably 220, and I kept noticing that I'd have an occaisional cloud behind me. I thought maybe I had a hose leak and it was steam, so I kept a strict eye on temps and stayed the course for home. So when I GOT home (no overheat still), I noticed that I had oil dripping, like 4 drops or so fairly quickly. The smoke cloud was because that had happened while driving and the oil was hitting the crossover pipe. I also observed a nice coating of oil on towards the rear running gear and stuff. I don't think it's out of hand, oil is like blood, it doesn't take much to look scary! I could be wrong though! The dipstick showed no change though so I calmed a lot when I saw that..
NOW. This morning on my way into work, temps stayed below 210 as they do every morning-NO CLOUDS, NO LEAKING.
Hood vents are in my future but how concerned do I need to be about this rear main seal? Also, does the temp thing make sense? Leaks when hot but only past 210?
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The higher the ambient temp, the higher the coolant temp, thus higher the oil temp and oil thins more at higher temps, thinner oil will pass thru leaking seals/gaskets easier. Check the dipstick frequently, so u don't run low. Little leaks turn into big leaks before u know it. Enough oil on a hot enough exhaust pipe can catch fire. Keep a close eye on the situation if waiting to get it fixed.
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Well I have to wait for right now. I really was hoping my thought process was right, basically what you mentioned. When it runs cooler it doesn't have a problem, so I can probably shim my hood up to let some heat out till I can get everything squared away for the actual repair..I hope!
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FWIW-I took the highway home yesterday and temps never exceeded 210, not only that, there was a strong wind that I think helped once I hit the backroads..AND, traffic was light. So all that and when I got home I had one drop of oil after sitting 1/2hr or so (that's when I went back to check). I did check the oil to make sure it still had some to leak..LOL! Anyway, all good.
Today I shimmed the hood since I had all the junk laying around. When I find some cheap enough hood vents I'll be putting those in there. I'll post back once I drive around a bit and let y'all know what my temps are with the shims!
Today I shimmed the hood since I had all the junk laying around. When I find some cheap enough hood vents I'll be putting those in there. I'll post back once I drive around a bit and let y'all know what my temps are with the shims!
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I'm noy sure since I've only had it 2 months! Oil change and tuneup are next on the list though, so I'm open to suggestions and recommendations. I had planned to use 'high mileage' oil but either keep to factory recommended visc rating or only one grade heavier.
I did do the hood shim mod and my temps haven't exceeded 210 (slightly less) yet!
I did do the hood shim mod and my temps haven't exceeded 210 (slightly less) yet!
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