Any one have any success changing the rear main seal on a 1983 series 3 4.2l 6 cylinder without pulling the motor and trans out of the car? My All Data recommends pulling the engine and i am still waing for the factory manual.

 

Not only must the engine come out, so must the crankshaft.

I have done one, and it is quite straightforward with the engine out and on an engine stand. It would be truly awful to do in situ, almost impossible IMHO. Once installed into the two housings, the seal should really be sized using the sizing tool, but another way is to put a turn of masking tape on the crankshaft where the seal runs, lubricate with plenty of grease, reassemble and turn the crank a few times, then dismantle again to take the tape off. OK, its time consuming, but if you can't get hold of the tool, a reasonable workround. There is an alternative split lip-type seal, but machining of the crank is needed to remove the scrolling where the seal runs. However you do it, when finished with the crank back in, but no conrods connected, the crank must rotate reasonably easily. If it doesnt turn without much effort, the seal will overheat the crankshaft, melt the rear main bearing and.....end of engine !

 

Is this link applicable?

Fitting rope seals is a bit of a

 

I have heard of people using this old trick tool (sneaky pete).
I have never done this but I know it can work.
Find a really old Chevy mechanic that has done this and ask for help/advise.

Lisle LIS27000 Sneak Pete - Rear Main Seal Remover/Installer Kit | Heavy Duty Truck

bob gauff

 

Before taking the motor out make sure the crankcase breather system is clean. A glogged breather worsens leaks. Cleaning the breather will often reduce the leak(s) to a tolerable level.


Cheers
DD

 

Good read. And yes it probably is a bit of a lost art.

This must be barrels of fun, especially for anyone working flatrate:

... and *then* you get to take it apart and put in the new bearing shells ...

 

Might as well rebuild the engine while it is out of the car! I cleaned crankcase breather on the 1987 XJ, it helped but not much. The engine has 230 km on it and came out of an 85 runs ok . I will try sneeaky pete probably next spring when i have time and post results. This car will eventually end up being my parts store to keep my 1983 xj purring. Thanks for the advice!