C2: L36 Rear main seal replacement tips

[Dan Pepper]

While I have the oil pan off of the car, I'd like to replace the leaky rear main seal. I've never done this procedure before, but have a Chilton's manual handy - the step by step seems pretty straight fwd, other than the instructions that suggest turning the crank to help the top seal into postition. How the heck do you do this while your under the car?

Anybody have any other tips to add before I get to it Saturday morn?

[Craig S.]

Re: C2: L36 Rear main seal replacement tips

Dan - make sure you use the shoe horn brass or plastic strip that comes with the seal (or should) to prevent cutting the seal as you roll it in. I have never turned the crank as I do this, just roll it in. I then COMPLETELY clean the seal faces at the split line. Follow the defined procedures carefully about placement of sealer on the cap seal area religiously or you will have a leak when done....Craig

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2: L36 Rear main seal replacement tips

Dan,
There is a tool on the market that latches into the flywheel teeth and has a handle to rotate the motor while you're under the car. You would have to remove the spark plugs so that you're not fighting the engine compression.

Good luck,
Gene