hi, i've got a pretty bad leak in the rear oil seal. how do i go about replacing it, and would i need to replace the timing belt as well?

jeff
'88 dodge raider/6cyl.

You have to pull the tranny or engine out first, and remove the flexplate/flywheel. Then unbolt the seal housing from the block and pan, being very careful not to tear up the pan gasket, or you'll have to pull the pan, too. If the timing belt is due for a change, it could be done at the same time, but you'll have no easier a time of it while doing the rear seal. I'd do the belt and front seal together. Make sure it's not a leaking valve cover first! Overtightened covers leak due to warping, often at the rear. Get the engine degreased at the quarter car wash, let it dry on the way home, and use baby powder to look for leak tracks on the rear of the block.

cool, thanks. do you think it would be easier to pull the engine or the tranny? also, sometimes, especially after driving at highway speeds and after i come to a stop, when i throw it into to first gear and start off again, something really weird happens, almost like it slips or isn't quite in gear. it kind of rumbles along and definitly doesn't have the power it normally does. i don't really know how to explain it, and it only happens occasionally, not every time i stop and go. sometimes is happens into second gear as well, but it usually goes away and everything seems normal from second/third gear on. could that be due to getting leaking oil on the timing belt? or could it be a tranny problem?

Are you sure it's not coming from somewhere else?