Advice on Rear Main Seal

[louie1086]

hey guys, i need some advice about my oil leak problem. its been determined by a trusted mechanic that the dreaded REAR MAIN SEAL has given, along with several others in that vicinity. the leak is moderate. the estimated cost was 500-600 and change to fix the leak.

my question, is it worth it? current mileage is ~129,xxx with no other significant problems. i would like to keep this car since ive seen many others with >200,000 miles and still running.
also, i am in college with an air tight budget.

any advice would be appreciated, so thanks in advance.

[Sniperdude]

My mileage is 119,000 and mine went along with valve cover gasket and distributor o-ring. Whole thing cost me 800. Worth it.

[Dave's]

Mine was replaced years ago at around 100K. Now have almost 250K miles so was it worth it? Duh! But you could have it totaled tomorrow so it's one of those "you pays your money and you take your chances" things. BTW, they replaced it twice because it shelled immediately when they started it up.

[Corsulian]

Most of the people that have them running still at 200k fix those sort of things.

For example, I fix nothing and don't expect more than 125k (tight budget as well--had car through college--and previous owners did more damage than I care to imagine)

So, fix it now if you want to be one of those people. Or don't, graduate, cross your fingers, get a nice Scion tC when you have a swell job. But now I'm projecting.

[repapyob]

Louie, Camry's tend to have their seals start to go all at once. I just did the rear main in my 92 myself. It's not just a job, it's a nightmare! The entire suspension has to come out, along with the subframe, as there is no other way to get the tranny out and there's no clearance. Be SURE to have your cam seals replaced EVERY time you do the timing belt as well. It's ony a few minutes more plus about $30 for the seals and well worth it. I am now sorry I did not, and have to basically do the job again.

[Boston Redneck]

If you are going to have it replaced, make sure you have the metal rear main holder pulled and sealed as well. (It's just 5 little bolts that hold the rear main)
Also, there is an oil galley plug just above it and to the right that has been known to leak. It takes all of 3 minutes to pull it, re-seal and install it.

[repapyob]

Hey Bostonredneck, thanks for the tip on the plug. I would have missed that!

[skewe]

i would fix it if u want to keep your car cos it will cause more issues in the long run

change the other seals / gaskets around there too

[louie1086]

thanks for all the great advice everyone. but for now i think im just going to leave it for now, since i dont have the funds for the repair.