SBF Rear Main Seal Leak? Fix it once and for all!

In this video I walk you through how to instal a seal saver/micro seal, and rear main seal on a small block Foxbody Ford 302 Mustang 5.0. These seal savers are designed to correct any imperfections and/or grooves that have established over time on your rear crank journal. Believe it or not, rear main seals can wear a groove into your crank journal; and no matter how many times you change your rear main seal, you will always have a leak! I explain the parts, parts numbers, and show you the correct way to instal. At the end of the video, I also explain another version of seal saver made by Timken called the Redi-Sleeve. This type of seal saver is to be used/installed while the crank is out of the car - and I explain why.
Parts used in this video can be found here:
Fel-Pro 16250 Seal Saver: amzn.to/2LyRiXL
Fel Pro 16301 Seal Saver instal tool: amzn.to/2ZaoLjh
Timken Redi-Sleeve: amzn.to/3dTTOEc
Check out my instagram channel for more up to date footage and pictures of the car:
/ 92lx5.0
@92LX5.0

[@stephenroberts7816]

I can't believe I have had 3 foxbody stangs and I'm just learning about this seal saver! You are the man!

[@KASLCustoms]

Hahahaha yeah, they are my go to 👌

[@jameschristy9966]

Me too doing in now and I'm gonna order one

[@KASLCustoms]

👌

[@billybradyjr6008]

Great video. I had no idea there was even a issue with the 5.0 rear main or this sleeve even existed . I have a 93 that is starting to leak now. Thanks for sharing!

[@KASLCustoms]

yessir you're very welcome. To the best of my knowledge, the 351's suffer from the same short comings too

[@jhunt7261]

Nice video. Well done with a super clean engine!

[@KASLCustoms]

Thank you very much!

[@outofgasgarage929]

Nice work, great video, thanks! Will put one of those on my 351 W crank (different part no) so this video was most helpful!

[@KASLCustoms]

Right on! Glad I could help!!!

[@91lxtasy]

you ever find the part number for the 5.8?

[@outofgasgarage929]

@@91lxtasy FEL-PRO 16251

[@dntlss]

Excellent video, love how you could eat off that car,nice as always,rear main seal leaks on 302s are like the sun coming out , very common,i installed a new engine on my 91 about 8 months ago and I'm very methodical about everything and the thing is already leaking ha ha ha and only has 3000 miles on it,thankfully its a automatic, on a standard these leaks can play havoc with your clutch,on my 89 which is standard it leaks also,if i get in the mood one of these years i might fix it, not in the mood to be pulling out a engine anytime soon.

[@KASLCustoms]

Thank you!! lol yes well said, it’s just something we all put up with 😂👊

[@hardchines]

Just thought I would let you know what I found out last night when I ordered the parts you provided the numbers for, rock auto lists the felpro seal saver as discontinued but they have some for 2.50 , I ordered one. rock sells the seal with the saver for 16.95 or about 8 for just the seal. I ordered the ford seal on ebay, best price by far was 24. plus tax, as I have the engine in pieces I also ordered the timkin set up from amazon as it comes with the tool and because of my unique crank I don't mind having the felpro and the timkin to play with! Again thx , you the man!

[@KASLCustoms]

Right on!! Thanks for the update and I’m glad the info helped. Keep me posted with the progress 👍

[@rdy2run332]

Very cool thanks for the video.

[@KASLCustoms]

You bet! Glad you liked it 👍

[@gregory9740]

Thanks bro, I was about to order the timken sleeve but was not sure if it would work while the motor was in the truck, since you mentioned it I'll be calling tomorrow and getting the fel-pro brand.

[@KASLCustoms]

Right on!! You’re very welcome 👍

[@Shakerhood69]

Nice work

[@KASLCustoms]

Thx pal!!!

[@hardchines]

I can not believe I stumbled on your post, you may have saved me big bucks and lots of work. I am just starting to assm my 302, I am trans planting the crank shaft from a 1971 302 into a brand new (year not known XXX block), the rear seal and bearing housing is all different including the crank shaft, the 71 crank has a ridge stick out from the seal area and many factory machined grooves in the exact spot that the one piece lip seal lip would touch, this part you showed should cover that area and save my ass! FYI I am using the 71 crank because its going back into my 67 fairlane wagon , the engine is dressed like a 289, every thing on front of engine is different from the 302, dampa holes, flywheel nothing would be usable if I just bought a new roller cam block crank shaft! One question, you added no sealant to the inside of the seal saver, what prevents oil from going under the seal saver?? You did a great demonstration many thanks !

[@KASLCustoms]

Right on - glad I could help. The seal saver size is such tight tolerance that there is no way anything could leak through so you should be good there. Thanks for reaching out and good luck with the project!!

[@InternetDude]

Helpful video! My 93 5.0L Mustang is leaking but argh that's a hell of a lot of work, the trans removal may be beyond my ability... hmm... seal replacement OK removing the trans I dunno. I would need a clutch alignment tool maybe??

[@KASLCustoms]

Your welcome! I didn’t have a clutch alignment tool, I just made my own with a 1/2” extension and some duck tape 👍

[@91lxtasy]

Nice work, I just need to find a part # for a 5.8!!

[@BA-pz3lo]

Great video thanks for the tips wish me luck lol

[@KASLCustoms]

Right on you bet! Good luck my friend!!!

[@josedamiansolercarrillo430]

Desde españa good video

[@KASLCustoms]

Thank you 🙏

[@DavidKlaw]

Big fan of the content! About to tackle the rear main (and then some) on my 90 GT and was curious what size jack stands you were using to a) feel safe and b) get the transmission out from under the car?

[@KASLCustoms]

Thank you! I think mine are 5 ton. Don’t forget thread sealer on your flywheel bolts 😉

[@bryantracing3022]

Gota put sealer on flywheel bolts to 2 bolts go through the crank oil journal

[@judges69]

thank you

[@KASLCustoms]

You bet!

[@Danny-sy8xj]

Hello excellent video I really enjoy it I have a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 C do I need to take the Engine out I will really like your advice on this matter thank you so much again I did enjoy your video thank you

[@KASLCustoms]

Hi there. Thank you very much! I have never removed and engine from a Merc but I will try my best to help were I can 👍

[@Danny-sy8xj]

Actual video to I really enjoy it I have a Mercedes-Benz 250 C 1970 I need to change the main seal do I need to drop the engine out I really need your advice and your expertise thank you

[@KASLCustoms]

Am not 100% sure but you will definitely need to remove the transmission

[@Danny-sy8xj]

@@KASLCustoms thank you so much for your fast response 👍

[@KASLCustoms]

Anytime 🙌

[@AJsSpeedShop]

So did the sleeve and seal eventually start leaking again? I’m doing the seal in my coupe this weekend….now you have me thinking about the sleeve. Great content as usual…

[@KASLCustoms]

Thx buddy. Yessir it did

[@Chicken-Emperor]

Thanks for the bit at the end about not using the flanged sleeve. Do you think that you could have used the Timkin sleeve with the lip removed and installed it with the Fel-Pro tool? I'm unable to find the Fel-Pro sleeve for my crank, but I have found the install tool so I'm debating whether I can mix and match there.

[@KASLCustoms]

You’re very welcome! You may be able to however you may run the risk of folding the edge of the seal saver over during instal… if you’re going to give it a try, I would maybe have a back up handy just in case 😉. Let me know how you make out 👍

[@screamingsvtcobra6220]

Wow. Great info sir thank you. I have a 2003 Terminator Cobra that I’m having issues with where i keep getting leaks from my rear main seal. I wonder if Felpro makes one for my crank?

[@KASLCustoms]

Thank you! I’m sure they do 👍👍👍

[@screamingsvtcobra6220]

@@toxsik0314 yes i did. Worked great. You just tap the ring on and it’s good to go

[@RW-zh7kl]

All sealed! At least for 2 or 3 years 😉

[@KASLCustoms]

LOL yup!

[@patrickdubuc3439]

Shouldn't u have put a sealant/loctite type sealant on the inside edge of repair sleeve before u put it on?to keep it from spinning on the crank?

[@KASLCustoms]

It’s a press fit, no need for any sealants

[@johndoegta2189]

Is there a way to determine whether its your oil pan or rear main seal? I get like literally 1 drop on the garage floor when I park it after about every time I drive the car for at least 10 years now. Also this seal saver, did you have to remove an old one or is this a whole new part added to the vehicle?

[@KASLCustoms]

it can be tricky to visually determine between a rear main seal and a rear oil pan gasket leak... As for the seal saver, its something you add 👍

[@Karpiel73]

Do 2nd gen Explorers (1995-01) with a 5.0 use the same crank as the mustang? I have to do this in my 98 Explorer and would prefer to do it only one time.

[@KASLCustoms]

I believe they do

[@_moes_garage_]

Hey there! Curious to know how this has held up over the years? 🤔

[@KASLCustoms]

Hey bud. It’s held up 100% 👍

[@THE_JB222]

Did you have to loosen headers to pull the trans? I have long tubes on my sn95 and I’m about to do the rear main (again). Was thinking I was gonna need to loosen the headers to make room for the trans to come out.. also gonna look into this sleeve and tool before I replace mine!

[@KASLCustoms]

Hey bud! Congrats on the seal leak 🙄 LOL!!! Damn SBF’s... that said, I did have to losses my drivers side long tube. I still keep the bolts in and it allowed me enough room to wiggle and drop the trans out. Hope that helps👍

[@THE_JB222]

Thanks for the advice! Sleeve and tool ordered, gonna give her a go! You still having no leaks so far?

[@KASLCustoms]

You bet! Yep I’m still good to go 👍

[@THE_JB222]

@@KASLCustoms just an update if you care to know, new sleeve and rear main installed, and first couple test drives out of the way, still no leak so far! Thanks again!

[@KASLCustoms]

Yeah buddy!!!! Thx for the update and I’m glad I could help. Have fun with it 👍

[@hardchines]

one more note, the tinkin Amazon part number is wrong, I ordered it but it appears to be the seal saver for the front of the crank! no big deal I returned it but I also had bought a felpro seal saver and installed it so all should be good! just FYI

[@KASLCustoms]

Oh shoot - sorry about that... I wonder if they changed part numbers?

[@krisf5247]

Hey Gary how’s this thing holding up a year later? I was going to put one in my car and wanted to see if it is worth it?

[@KASLCustoms]

Hey bud!!! It’s holding up great. I wouldn’t change another with out it 👍

[@doctorhonda111]

Is this fix still holding up? I have a 408w that leaks even after a seal change. About to scrap this pos

[@KASLCustoms]

Yessir. So far so good 👍

[@lukepistilli4112]

Shouldn't 16300 installation tool be use for the 16250 sleeve and not a 16301?

[@KASLCustoms]

This is the tool that Fel Pro recommends

[@InternetDude]

Their website seems to recommend 16300.!! So yeah there is confusion here with the 16301 shown!

[@InternetDude]

@@KASLCustoms where do they recommend 16301? I looked on their website today and it says 16300. I looked up all 93 5.0 Mustang seals they make.

[@gregnalyssa]

Mine still leaks after a new seal, so I will have to order the felpro parts. Mine really started leaking after the blower install and synthetic oil switch. Any trouble getting the starter on with those long tubes? Great video!

[@KASLCustoms]

Thx bud! No problem getting the starter in at all 👍

[@gregnalyssa]

Awesome! Now I just need to get motivated, like when I was in my 20's! Lol

[@KASLCustoms]

Lol I hear ya!

[@adamd6154]

I ordered fel-pro 16300 repair sleeve installation tool fits my 95 mustang GT 5.0 couldn’t find fel-pro 16301 and it said it wouldn’t fit my 95

[@KASLCustoms]

That’s odd. Where did you order from?

[@jeffheavnerMBA]

Did the 16300 work? I cannot find the 16301.

[@keithzeykon9428]

So the inside part of that seal goes inward or outward?

[@KASLCustoms]

Sorry bud, I’m not sure what you mean?

[@JB-zn1kx]

my 88 just started leaking.. and it has just 25k miles. it's an age thing with theses seals. i'm going to try high mileage oil first

[@KASLCustoms]

Good luck my friend 👍. These SBF 302’s are notorious for getting a very slight (microscopic) grove in the rear crank journal - from the rear main seal believe it or not... - which is typically why people cannot fix the leak by just changing the seal. That is where/why these seal savers were created. The high mileage oil you speak of is a WAY easier option to try them pulling the trans 😉 lol. Let me know how it goes for you 👍

[@InternetDude]

Dude try Blue Devil rear main sealer first, it’s better than just using high mileage oil.

[@KASLCustoms]

Is it an oil additive?

[@InternetDude]

@@KASLCustoms yes I tried it recently

[@KASLCustoms]

Interesting. I tend to stay away from additive type products but I’m sure I’m missing out on some decent ones for sure

[@matthewtully1745]

Did it leak after the install?

[@KASLCustoms]

Not yet. So far so good

[@fire1418]

Did this end up fixing the issue?

[@KASLCustoms]

Yup

[@grivolas2144]

This only works with the one peice seal. The older two peice seal you can leave the trans in place.

[@KASLCustoms]

The seal saver will still do the same job regardless of whether you run the one or two piece seal but the trans needs to be removed to instal the seal saver.

[@grivolas2144]

@@KASLCustoms Never heard them called that before, our catalogue calls them sleave repair kits. I just got a little confused thinking it was something else.

[@KASLCustoms]

Oh lol sorry about that 👍

[@sandmansimms5704]

@@KASLCustoms so if you're not putting in the seal saver don't you still have to remove the trans to put to change the rear main seal?

[@KASLCustoms]

Yes, trans needs to come out to instal both the seal saver and rear main seal 👍

[@paulritchie8873]

so i looked it up - i believe the sleeve mentioned here also fits the 351w roller. I looked it up on Summit and heres what i found.. Fel-Pro Crankshaft Repair Sleeves 16250 Make: FORD Engine Type: V8 Engine Size: 5.8L/351 Beginning Year: 1985 Ending Year: 1996 Engine Family: Ford small block Windsor Repair Sleeve Type: Engine crankshaft

[@KASLCustoms]

Nice

[@alcc4964]

Repair sleeve tool no longer available in the US 😡 would you like to sell or rent yours? Lol

[@KASLCustoms]

Ahh that sucks! LOL - we would probably pay more in shipping then what the tool is worth 3 times over! All that said, another option to consider would be finding someone local to your area with a 3D printer and ask them to make you one. I don't think it would be that much money to pay someone to do for you and would definitely work 👍

[@alcc4964]

found one….local store charged me $60…lol. Yup, I still bought it. Bad news, rear main started to leak again. I can’t believe it, so bummed out.

[@KASLCustoms]

Oh no…. 😬