Arg, I had all seals on the engine replaced about 3,000 miles ago on about 8/28/00,and now the new rear main is puking oil again. Are there any makers of oil seals for that engine that are of preferred over others?

The shop that did the seal replacements will look at the oil leak(s) on Monday, and if it looks like it is in fact the rear main they will repair for free under a warranty, however, I really don't want a premature failure of the seal again. Mobile 1 10W-30 oil has always been used in this engine with about 90,000 original miles on it.

Any knowledgable input would be appreciated.

Please don't respond with third hand information or generic statements like, did you change the oil every 3,000 miles?; or was there an adequate quantatity oil in this engine? I am a licensed aircraft mechanic and I always baby my machinery.

I use oem volvo seals and have no trouble with them. Acouple of suggestions- make sure the oil is not dripping down from the distributor or valve cover gasket or cam tower and running around the bellhousing to look like the rear seal. If the oil is coming out of the bellhousing, make sure the gasket on the seal housing is not damaged. Another possibility is that there is a small imperfection in the lip of the seal which will wear away in a month and the leak will quit by itself. If the leak is minor, maybe just get confirmation from your shop that they will look after the problem if it remains, then drive the car for a while. And, like about a thousand people are itching to say, clean out the crankcase breather.

Has the crankcase ventilation system been maintained on your car? The flame trap is infamous for plugging and assures excessive crankcase pressure when it happens.

I have heard also that hammering these seals (front and rear oil seals) instead of using the correct pusher tool, can cause the garter spring to get knocked off the seal during installation. The recommended mandrel also allows for square positioning at the proper depth.