351 C4 guys...question on front main seal lifespan

[theracinjason]

Sounds like a pump gasket to me. this is notorious if you have a small bellhousing. this means the bellhousing bolts also hold the pump. if you bought it and had it shipped with no bellhousing im sure there were 2 bolts holding the pump in place. because in a c4 it has to be standing on its tail to install the pump. if you take the pump or bellhousing bolts out (all 7of them) it is absolutely imperative the trans is standing on its tailshaft. you will need a buddy or a special table or a post in the garage with a ratchet strap. what i have done in the past isstand up the trans, remove the 2 countersunk bolts, if your trans builder used them. then bolt on the bellhousing using all 7 bolts instead of just 5 left if there are countersunk bolts from the builder/shipper. if you choose not to do this, make certain you torque in sequence and go a little more than Ford's reccomended 28lbs. i like 35 and have not had a recurrance since.