pyledriver

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?

djb383

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.

pyledriver

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!

pyledriver

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!

kautman1

What oil are you using ?.

pyledriver

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!