If anyone has useful information as to how to install a rear main seal correctly please let me know! I am on my 5th attempt to do it correctly.

 

There’s a bolt/plug that backs out and leaks oil that is located above the rear main seal. When you replaced the seal, did you make sure that plug was well tightened?

 

Yes! I did take that plug all the way out. I cleaned it with brake clean and then used some permatex when I re installed it. There was no oil around it after I did it on the 2nd time I was in there , and the times after. Thank you for the reply. There is not alot of information as to how far to seat the seal. I have been putting it flush to the crank housing when I do it, with the lip of the seal facing the engine. It seemed fine for about 5 miles. When I sat and idled after driving it, I put the AC on and it just started pouring oil from the bottom of the bell housing.

 

When you took to failed ones out were they damaged ? Did you oil the lip of the seal? Usually they are driven slightly below the face of the "block" You can measure down to the wear groove on the crank and then measure the seal to give you an idea of how far ..usually driven in with a custom made seating tool

Micheal will be along to give you an exact figure .

 

The last time I was in there (4th time) the seal was installed flush. It looked like it failed at the 5'oclock position. It was the only place it looked like it was weeping from. i will try to post pics soon.

 

Weeping between crank and seal or block and seal ? Some have a coat of sealer when fitted.

 

 

Is the shaft where the seal bears onto it in perfect condition, i.e. no grooves or marking?
Does the seal come with a plastic insertion tool? If there is no tool and the shaft is in perfect condition, do you think that the lip might be being damaged when you slide it over the shaft? If so, you can use clingfilm or similar, which is removed after installation, on the shaft to ensure that the seal is not damaged.
Richard

 

Looks like some sort of damage at the 5 o clok point . You would usually have a large diameter tube ( or socket) to push it in square . Unfortunatly for you its a lathe job to make up a good tool

 

Buy the tool! https://www.lasertools.co.uk/Product...taller-for-JLR

 

That is not for a 97 XK8

 

It's not listed, but it is the correct tool. I have one.

 

I fashioned one from large diameter PVC schedule 40 and some caps and flanges in the plumbing isle at the hardware store.

 

I used the plastic insertion ring. How far is the seal supposed to go onto the crankshaft? Is it flushed or pressed in further. Should I use permatex or oil proof gasket sealant around the outside of the seal?

 

It looks to me as if the oil is coming past the lip so the outside sealing is not the issue. Is the shaft in perfect condition? No marking, no scratches, no pitting?

Have all the previous seals failed in the same way?

The placement looks OK to me. Does the installation tool have a ridge to determine the insertion depth? Does the workshop manual give any guidance?

Richard

 

the crankshaft is in perfect condition. I need to know how far to install the seal itself. If anyone has an answer please share. The first time I replaced it I sent it all the way in twords the motor. After watching tons of other videos on rear main seal installation the general understanding shown was to make the seal flush with the crankshaft housing.

 

The installation tool puts it 1mm below the face.

 

should i use gasket sealant around the outside, during installation?

 

I don't understand how you can have driven in so far if you're using the approved installation tool? The depth is usually set by the tool.

Richard

 

OP doesn't have the installation tool.