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| | | | Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11 | In the tech tips section there is a "how to" on changing out a rear main seal. It states that by removing the bearing caps you can drop the crankshaft enough to pull out the existing seal. It does not say anything about the transmission. I tried it and could not get the crankshaft to drop. It seems to me the transmission must be removed. Can anybody shed some light on this for me? Thank you in advance,
Doug B. | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | Yes the transmission will have to be removed. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | I'm thinkin' the tranny's got to come out. How can the flywheel drop when the nose of the tranny is stuck into the pilot bushing - or am I missing something?
I was at the fall show in your fair town, were you there?
edit: Dang! Cletis beat me to the punch! | | | | | Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11 | Thanks for the input. I was figuring I was heading for a transmission removal. oh well, it needs paint anyway and that will make it alot easier. As far as the fall show goes are you referring to the Oktoberfest celebration? If so, I was there...both nights! Thanks again,
Doug. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I agree with removing the transmission. I suppose if you had a really worn transmission or pilot bearing, you might be able to move the crank down a bit. I have tried both methods and removing the transmission is the way to go. Depending on your setup, it may only need to move back a few inches. On a four speed, this saves a lot of time. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | I was referring to the Cruise into Fall show held downtown every Sept. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,825 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,825 | I've changed a bunch of rear main seals, and haven't dropped a transmission yet. It only takes a few thousandths of drop to free up the seal enough to move. I use a couple of pry bars in the ring gear teeth, one on each side of the flywheel, and pry it down a litle, then use the screw-type tool to penetrate the end of the seal and roll it out. Soak the new seal in motor oil, roll it out into a slightly thinner shape than normal, and pull it into place with the chinese handcuff tool. Pack the seal into the slot firmly with a blunt punch, tighten up the mains, and trim the excess seal off flush with the block. Easy!
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,962 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,962 | I do it like Jerry does it. However, on a GMC, I have had them to still leak a little when I was done. I have had to try again and the next time it works. I wouldn't really call GMC rear main seals easy. | | |
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