This 1951 216 has had a rear main seal leak since I brought it back to life in 2021 or so. It leaked/leaks a prodigious amount of oil when parked (and probably when driving, too).
It has leaked enough oil where I have to add some every couple hundred miles or so. In other words, I carry oil with me and I check and add frequently.
Lately, the oil puddles have diminished in both the amount of oil and in frequency. Sometimes, after parking for a short period of time there is no oil or very little oil on the concrete whereas before there was a large slick that needed immediate application of kitty litter.
I've put about 5000 miles on the truck since I got it running and driving.
As much as I'd like to believe that some problems fix themselves, I realize that that is not the case. What do you think is the cause behind a leaking rear main seal suddenly leaking considerably less oil?
Oil has been 20W-50 the whole time. I would have thought if the rope seal were going to swell up and re-seal itself after a long rest, it would have done so early on in the engine's re-awakening.
Any thoughts?
And yes, I'm aware of the old adage about Harley-Davidsons and all British cars. It does have oil in it up to the full mark on the dipstick.
Last edited by Peggy M; 03/16/2024 7:17 PM. Reason: added more info to the title
