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'74 V8 Rear Main Seal

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by sleone, May 22, 2004.

  1. May 22, 2004
    sleone

    sleone Member

    Auburn, AL
    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2004
    Messages:
    66
    Ok guys, I'm stumped. I pulled the 304 out of my '74 CJ5 to put new seals, gaskets, motor mounts, etc. When I pulled the rear main bearing cap off to remove the rear main seal I had no problem removing the bottom side of the seal. The top is another story. I've done everything I know to do and then some to get the thing out with no luck. I took a screwdriver and tried to push it through, I used a center punch, I used a big bolt, I even removed all of the other bearing caps and lifted up on the crankshaft and then tried all of the above methods to get it out. What am I doing wrong? I'm about to give up and just replace half of the seal. Taking the crankshaft, etc out is not something I'm interested in doing just to get this seal out. Anybody else had this problem or have ideas? Thanks

    -Steve
     
  2. May 24, 2004
    plunkinberry

    plunkinberry Member

    Canonsburg, PA
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2002
    Messages:
    102
    Honestly, I'd keep trying... I know that isn't the magic secret you wanted, but I don't know what to tell you. I wouldn't leave it in there. Anyone else ever have this much trouble?
     
  3. May 24, 2004
    SandhillMike

    SandhillMike Moderator

    Archer, Fla
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2003
    Messages:
    246
    Is it a fiber seal? When I did my 225 3 weeks ago, I ended up having to pull the crank out. the old fiber seal just crumbled.

    See if you can get a screw to hold in the seal and pull it out. trying to drive it out will only work with rubber seals.
     
  4. May 24, 2004
    sleone

    sleone Member

    Auburn, AL
    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2004
    Messages:
    66
    It's a rubber type seal. They have some soft metal inside of them, but it's not the rope type seal. I've pretty much given up :evil:
     
  5. May 24, 2004
    SandhillMike

    SandhillMike Moderator

    Archer, Fla
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2003
    Messages:
    246
    I've never had any problem with a rubber seal, so I can't help you on this. Odd.
     
  6. May 27, 2004
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    I used a wooden dowel around 3/16" diam to drive out the rubber seal on my Ford. I think if you tap on one side with something that has a flat end it will push the seal out the other side. If you use something pointed, the seal will spread and lock into its groove. Keep trying.
     
  7. May 27, 2004
    TheBeav1955

    TheBeav1955 Member

    Wyoming, Mi
    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2004
    Messages:
    296
    I'm told a small brass rod can be used as well it won't damage anything

    Brian
     
  8. May 27, 2004
    sleone

    sleone Member

    Auburn, AL
    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2004
    Messages:
    66
    I tried using a hammer and a small bolt that was completely flat, and to my surprise, actually bent the bolt as opposed to pushing out the seal. I tried just about everything I could think of. I finally gave up and just replaced the bottom side of the seal and made sure to put a large glob of Permatex on it. I've never had any problems doing this before, but the only thing I can figure is that it's just been in there so long that it has molded to the block. I hope it doesn't come back to haunt me but I don't know what else I could have done. Thanks for your help
     
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