[Shotimes] Clutch ponderings

[Kevin & Cheryl Airth]

Chris:
 Replace the carrier gasket! I did just the rear main on one SHO and still
have a small oil seep from the rear. One problem is that it's difficult to
install the carrier with the oil pan in place. This is because the rear
carrier also contains the surface that contacts the rear o-ring seal on the
oil pan. The rubber seal is compressed from use but I put a new seal in and
when it's not compressed it's tough to compress the rubber and slide the
carrier on at the same time. Next time I will drop the pan to make sure
everything is assembled in the proper manner. This also leads to your second
question. Yes, drop the pan. It will help a bunch with getting the rear
carrier installed without messing up the oil pan seal. Your so close I would
sure look at the at least the rod bearings too. If I was real organized I
would just plan on replacing the rear main seal and carrier gasket and new
oil pan gaskets and new rod bearings. Once you have dropped the tranny all
the heavy work is done. Your parts cost is pretty small to fix such a major
potential problem. Plus I hate a car that leaks oil!!

 One extra thing I just found. I have had small oil drips in the drain plug
area and kept looking at all the usual spots but never could get it stopped.
Well I found a 14mm oil drain plug gasket/washer that is metal with a rubber
insert on the inner diameter. Totally stopped the drips!! I will now replace
every gasket I can with this steel/rubber one. Very nice and simple!! Found
it at O-Rileys.
.
.



>     I am (finally) replacing the clutch on my '95. Additionally, I'm
wondering what the story is on the carrier gasket, and
> if it should or should not be replaced.  There is quite a bit of oil
buildup
> on the tranny/engine area.  Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get
inside
> yet to see the situation firsthand.  A lot of the mess could be from the
> rather badly leaking cam seal, which I should be changing once the clutch
is
> done.  I do have a new rear main seal, but if the clutch problems are due
to
> oil leaks, I am wondering if it could be the rear main carrier at fault.
> For that matter, I know I don't want to endure any more pain (and I may or
> may not have time as I'm going to be gone for a week) but how much extra
> time/work/money is involved in checking and/or replacing the rod bearings.
> At 147k and no history, it may be wise to look (though the engine roars
> beautifully and feels strong thus far).
>
> -Chris