My '71 Chevelle has been leaking oil and the mechanic said the "rear main seal" is bad and needs to be replaced. It has an automatic transmission, and is a 350 V-8. He doesn't do that type of work and had no recommendations, only said that it would be quite expensive, in the $1500 to $3000 price range. Does anyone have any advice on this???????
Thanks,
Vernetta
OK, I guess I need to look around. Could anyone tell me approximately what this should cost, if it is the rear main seal? I live in Omaha, NE

With those prices, find a new mechanic, FAST!!!

Wow I would run away from that guy.

Call around to various car repair places-ask for an estimate to repair.

Plus I would get a second opinion, it may not be the rear main seal. I have often seen gaskets leaking, and it appeared that it was the rear main. I have seen the rear cam plug leak, after it rusted real bad. I would get some dye and make sure where it's leaking from, before I started making calls. You don't want to pay someone to replace the rear main and still have the leak.

Fred.

Also,the oil pressure sending unit (located in the top of the block,in back of the intake) could be leaking.

Find a new mechanic

Could be the intake as well.

I would like to know what type of mechanic "does not do that type of work" .You could easily have a new motor for those kinds of prices.