Author Topic: 1978 TRANS AM 403 - Questions on Oil and Rear Main Seal  (Read 1445 times)

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Offline STEPCLAYTON

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1978 TRANS AM 403 - Questions on Oil and Rear Main Seal
« on: November 19, 2014, 01:27:48 PM »
Hi Everyone.  Scottish Stephen with a 1978 Trans AM with the 403.  Got an oil leak and have identified it as the rear main seal.  Bit of an expensive repair but I love the car so repaired it will be!  Question.  Car had a new oil pump fitted 500 miles ago but I will replace oil and filter as well as the seal.  Car currently sits around 20 psi when hot.  Is this ok under normal circumstances? - advice please.  What oil is best to put back in?  I've been told 20W50 is best for the 403.  Is this correct?  Any advice?  Thanks guys.  New member.

Offline Grand73Am

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Re: 1978 TRANS AM 403 - Questions on Oil and Rear Main Seal
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2014, 07:50:59 PM »
20 psi seems a little low to me. I'd rather see about 30 at hot idle, but it's still probably okay. The pressure should rise about 10 psi per 1000 rpms when you rev the engine. So, if it does that, it's okay. Gauges can vary, so you could put an inexpensive mechanical gauge on it to see how it compares to your factory gauge reading.
I wouldn't use 20w50 in it, unless you live in a hot climate or it's summertime, because that oil is thick, and even then it isn't necessary. I suggest 10w30 in a cold climate, and 10w40 in a mild climate, although either would be fine in all but very cold weather. And then a 5w30 would be better.
« Last Edit: November 23, 2014, 07:52:49 PM by Grand73Am »
Steve F.

Offline winks79

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Re: 1978 TRANS AM 403 - Questions on Oil and Rear Main Seal
« Reply #2 on: November 24, 2014, 06:24:24 PM »
Agree 100% with Steve. Mine idles hot right at 40. I live in Alabama and run 10/40 in mine with no issues. Would not run anything thicker than that though on a stock engine.

Offline STEPCLAYTON

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Re: 1978 TRANS AM 403 - Questions on Oil and Rear Main Seal
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2014, 02:06:40 PM »
Thanks for the responses guys.  Much appreciated