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Subject:Re: possible main seal leak
From:Robert Lilley
Date:Sun, 11 Jun 2000 18:34:39 EDT

All you have to do is remove the tranny NOT the engine.

Have two jacks- one to support the engine and one to support the tranny.
Cover the CV joints with a bag to keep the grease from getting on you.
You can replace the engine seal without having to pull the tranny out from
under the car.  Just move it back far enough to get to the flywheel.

USE THE main SEAL install tool OR USE A FLAT board or metal that COVERS the
entire seal surface when hammering the seal in, otherwise you can damage the
seal and CAUSE a LEAK (I know because I did just that, a small dent and the
lip pulled off the flywheel the width of a piece of paper, about a 1MM long
and the engine had a new OIL VENT- THE FLYWHEEL SEAL).

DO NOT FORGET to put the flat spacers in before you hammer the seal in, You
cannot put them in after...

ADD grease to the seals lip and spacers to keep from burning the seal lip...

If you clutch disk and throw out bearing (possible clutch cover) is not new
or close to it, consider installing a new disk when the tranny is out, it is
easier now then to have to pull it out later to replace.  Plus it might be
covered in oil due to the leak.  Have one on hand, so you can replace if
needed and continue to reinstall rather than waiting to go get one.

Remove the covers attached to the body and watch the hoses attached to the
ring, thermostat housing when tilting the engine down.

The tranny will need to be lifter slightly to clear the front exhaust pipe if
you have the stock pipes.

This can be done in a days work.

Robert