TTA Mechanic in Naples Florida Area

[F8LBIRD]

My TTA is leaking oil, seems like it is toward rear of motor. The oil is dripping down on exhaust making some smoke. I don't want to trust this car to just any mechanic. Does this leak sound like it maybe the rear main seal, and is that expensive?

Thanks,
TTA 1165
29,000 miles

 

[PhillyTurboSix]

yea that's the rear main seal. They leak bad and the more boost and more times you get into boost the more they seem to leak! It is a bit of a job to replace. I think they had a rope seal in them from the factory. The engine in my GN is only 3 years old and it's leaking like a stuck pig already. Every time I get into boost I think there goes the rear main seal blowing oil a little more!

I would make sure you get a good turbo buick guy to do the work locally. You might want to post on turbobuicks.com in the FL area and see if someone can suggest someone locally who you can trust. Someone from this board might know of a mech near you as well. Good luck with it!

 

[Quiky One]

Naples? How do you like living with all the old people? haha

I know there is quite the Florida gang...how far are you from Tampa?

 

[F8LBIRD]

Thanks guys,
I wish I had the knowledge and know-howthat you have!!
Does the engine have to be pulled to replace the rear main seal? does it have any performance issues the way it is or will it just keep leaking more & more oil over time? By the way there are a lot of old people here, I'm almost one of them(graduated in 1986-thats why i love the 3rd gens so much)
But believe it or not alot of them drive z06's & vipers and dont mind racing with them!!
When replacing the rear main seal is it also a good time to put in a better cam, lifters, etc? Sorry about all the questions, but you guys really are on your sh-t!!

thanks
Jim Reynolds
TTA 1165
ps the car has some mods so it is not all stock

 

[PhillyTurboSix]

Hey Jim don't worry about the young whipper snappers on here! I beat up Jason every time I see him I graduated in 86 as well! Awesome year!

The engine does not have to be pulled but crossover pipe comes off, the pan has to come down and the rear main cap needs to come off for it to be done. It's a labor consuming job for the most part. It's a good time to inspect the bearings while your there at the crank and maybe do those if needed. Personally I would only upgrade or change things that are giving you issues. How's the saying go. If it ain't broke don't fix it! The rear main leaks on all these cars when you make boost and the more you make the more it leaks. When that block gets boost it pushes everything out. These engines can be like oil misters as well. Just something a turbo car is going to do. Sometime they push to hard and you'll get a heavy leak. Some guys run 20w oil to help seal up the leaks as well. If you use Mobil One you'll find that will make it's way out of the block as well. All you need is a good local Buick mech. and you should be fine!