I DON'T BELIEVE MY LUCK... (Page 1/2)
eti engineer OCT 20, 06:32 PM
So, as you all know I just got my Fiero running the past couple of days. It's been down for almost a year while I was rebuilding the whole cradle, etc. and having the engine rebuilt. I put everything back together and eventually got it running fine while it's sitting with the back end on jackstands. I noticed something not right, though, there was some fresh oil on the garage floor after the car had set for a while. I wiped it up, figuring I might have spilt some when I was topping it off, but the next morning there was a small puddle under the car. It was dripping off the bottom of the transmission inspection cover. I pulled the cover off and looked and it appears the rear seal is leaking. It seems to only happen after the car has run and is sitting like overnight or so. It may be leaking while the car is running, but is probably getting thrown around by the rotating flexplate. Any chance this will get better? I am betting not. I have already notified the builder.

What kind of rear seal does the V-6 have? Two-piece? Rope? The builder will take care of it, but I hate to leave the car with them. I have no choice, unfortunately. I have not had luck with rear seals. I replaced one in a Ford 351 Windsor once and it was fine for about 15, 000 miles and then it started leaking again. 351's were famous for this, though. Was the 2.8? Suggestions?
RWDPLZ OCT 20, 07:34 PM
It's just your typical modern 1 piece rear main seal, Timken makes good ones.
skywurz OCT 20, 07:43 PM
I had this issue after redoing my engine and i shelved the car for 7 years then fixed it in a weekend.
eti engineer OCT 21, 09:28 AM

quote
Originally posted by skywurz:

I had this issue after redoing my engine and i shelved the car for 7 years then fixed it in a weekend.



Did you have to pull the whole cradle again, or can it be done with the engine still in the car? What caused it to leak?
zkhennings OCT 21, 11:35 AM
You could choose to pull just the motor (seems extremely difficult) but I think it is easier to drop the entire cradle. I don't think it is possible to pull the trans out with the motor in the car. Just drain your coolant into a clean container and filter it through a micro fiber towel over a funnel when filling the system back up. I have done this before when the coolant is fresh and I don't want to waste it. You can pull the cradle in under 2 hours easy if you aren't fighting stuck bolts. You don't have to drain any of the other fluids, just disconnect fuel, vacuum, heater lines, transmission cables, throttle cable, wiring harness and strut tops. Simple I will say I do not know if having an automatic trans makes it any harder.

I suggest constructing a dolly that can hold the cradle and roll it around, makes life easier!
skywurz OCT 21, 11:46 AM

quote
Originally posted by eti engineer:


Did you have to pull the whole cradle again, or can it be done with the engine still in the car? What caused it to leak?



Mine was only a duke, i dropped the cradle a little and did the seal and clutch. While I was down there i found a rear pan leak too and did the pan.
olejoedad OCT 21, 12:00 PM
Are you absolutely sure that the distributor O-ring isn't leaking?
eti engineer OCT 21, 12:08 PM

quote
Originally posted by zkhennings:

You could choose to pull just the motor (seems extremely difficult) but I think it is easier to drop the entire cradle. I don't think it is possible to pull the trans out with the motor in the car. Just drain your coolant into a clean container and filter it through a micro fiber towel over a funnel when filling the system back up. I have done this before when the coolant is fresh and I don't want to waste it. You can pull the cradle in under 2 hours easy if you aren't fighting stuck bolts. You don't have to drain any of the other fluids, just disconnect fuel, vacuum, heater lines, transmission cables, throttle cable, wiring harness and strut tops. Simple I will say I do not know if having an automatic trans makes it any harder.

I suggest constructing a dolly that can hold the cradle and roll it around, makes life easier!



I was trying to avoid having to pull the whole cradle again. I just rebuilt the whole back end while the engine was out being rebuilt. I put all new bushings in, new struts, etc. It's all new. It is a huge job for one person to pull the whole thing. This is why I was hoping that the cradle didn't have to come out again. I put a lot of care and time into making sure the cradle, engine connections, etc were done correctly so I didn't have to pull it for a very long time, if even. Now, because the builder didn't do his job right, it appears the cradle will have to come out again. I have already built a dolly from the first time I did this. It worked beautifully. I got it from the same guy who put out the instructions for how to remove and reinstall the cradle. He was spot on. I built my dolly out of 2X6 lumber and it was great. The guys name is Todd. If he reads this, thanks a million!!!
Dennis LaGrua OCT 21, 02:45 PM
I know a guy who pulled the engine out the top by itself but I believe that he removed the exhaust and some of the accessories if not the manifolds. He sold his Fiero and moved away long ago so I can't ask him any questions but I am positive that he did it.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

eti engineer OCT 21, 04:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

I know a guy who pulled the engine out the top by itself but I believe that he removed the exhaust and some of the accessories if not the manifolds. He sold his Fiero and moved away long ago so I can't ask him any questions but I am positive that he did it.




I had to make a trip to Modesto anyway, today, to buy a new monitor for my house alarm system, so I decided to swing by and show the builders the pics I took of the oil puddle and the source of the leak. They will honor their warranty and will not require me to pull the engine. Once I get the car registered, I can drop it off and they will have one of their builders get into it and get it back to me as soon as possible. So I will go ahead, get the brakes back together and bled, call DMV and ask them how I am supposed to get the car smogged if it is not registered (I have to re-register it as operational anyway) and get my insurance on the vehicle so I can drive it. Then I will take it back to the builders. I hope to be able to get it back on the road soon...