The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 rear main seal leak

I have a 58-62 235 in my '53, and I can't tell if the rear main seal is leaking. The oil pan gaskets were dried out, so I haven't been able to rule that out yet.

I have only run the engine once, and have been noticing oil drops near the rear of the engine on the garage floor. The clutch etc arn't installed.

http://i45.tinypic.com/2zgvzhw.jpg
Heres a picture of the back of the engine.

Where exactly would I be leaking if it was the rear main seal? On the face it is clean, but in between the two bolts it is oily.

If the rear main is leaking oil will be coming out around the circumference of the crankshaft. I'm sure you had a flywheel on it when you ran it. If all the bolts where not in & tight oil will come out the bolt holes.