Okay, I have an oil leak coming from the back of my engine. It does not appear to be the valve cover seals. I and my mechanic think it might be the rear main. He was talking about the crankarm play and how it could need replacement thrust bushings. We (me being super amateur) are going to dig in monday. From doing searches on rear main seals and stuff on this forum, I have read a little about thrust bushings, cam plugs, and rear main seals now. I am looking for advice on what it is I am looking for and what I should do in worst case scenarios. If it is thrust bushings I saw some people just went for new engines. Does that require pulling the engine to do the repair and is it risky as far as engine life? What would be best case scenario, rear main or cam plug? It is just dripping and the engine sounds good. 133000 on the clock in a 93. Its a five speed also. Depending on what the cause of the problem is and money I might do some tranny work and suggestions. I have heard tons of opinions some liking the getrag some the nv4500. Anybody else want to add to this. And if anyone knows some $$ figures for these different operations, that would be helpful also. I am getting a deal where if I help and it takes less time, that is what I'll save. Plus I get to learn more about my truck. Good deal even though it sounds like I am still going to be spending money. Just looking for advice before digging in. Thanks to those who reply.

 

I'd start with the rear main seal and cam plug. You can check for endplay in the crank, but I'd be more inclined to believe it is just a 13year old seal showing its age in a high acid environment. Same for the cam plug. i know gassers wear out in 130K, but the Cummins should go a minimum half million. Not to say it CANT be the main bearings, there was a guy on the TDR recently that went through that, but it is rare. I have one in my driveway with over 350K on it.

Daniel

 

You don't have to pull the engine all apart to check the thrust bearing. Just try to pry the crank back and forth, if it moves around 1/4 inch or so you've got your work cut out for you.

 

I have had four of these trucks now. The last one my favorite had 290K on it when I sold it. Easily has over 300K by now as much the girl who bought it drives. I took the chance when I bought this truck. 132000 5spd for 6500$ nice canopy also. Clean inside everything works just this small drip. I sure hope it is not the thrust bushings and just a rear main. I want to keep this truck for awile since it is the extended cab. If there is crank arm play am I better off getting a new engine or is it repairable to the point where I will be able to get the milage on a cummins like I expect. If it is just the seal or cam plug since I am prepared to spend money on the thrust bushing rebuild is there anything I should upgrade when it is all apart. The rear main is a cheap part but since I have it all apart I feel like I should do more if the crank arm is fine. Any suggestions? Thanks for the replies, wish me luck, I am starting the procedure tomorrow. I will post my results and findings. Thanks.

 

how'd it go?