Rear Crankshaft Main Bearing Seal: Service and Repair

The production rear crankshaft oil seal is a rope type seal. The rope seal can be replaced with a two piece type seal, if desired. The CDR and crankcase ventilation system should be thoroughly inspected and crankcase pressure should be checked before a new seal is installed.
1. Remove oil pan and oil pump.
2. Remove rear main bearing cap.
3. Remove old rope seal from main bearing cap. Do not discard.

Fig. 14 Packing Upper Rear Crankshaft Rope Seal:

Fig. 15 Cutting Rope Seal:

Fig. 16 Installing Rope Seal Piece:

4. To install seal onto upper seal groove, proceed as follows:
a. Using rear oil seal packer tool No. J-33154-2 or equivalent, gently drive upper seal into groove approximately 1/4 inch. Do this on both side, Fig. 14.
b. Measure the amount the seal was driven up on one side. Add 1/16 inch. Cut this length from the old seal removed from the old seal removed from the main bearing cap. Use the main bearing cap as a holding tool when cutting the seal, Fig. 15. Use a sharp tool, repeat this procedure for the other side.
c. Install rear oil seal packer tool No. J-33154-2 or equivalent, onto the cylinder block as shown in Fig. 16.
d. Use rear oil seal packer tool No. J-33154-2 or equivalent, to work the short pieces of the seal cut previously onto the guide tool and into the seal groove in the block. It may help to use clean engine oil on the seal pieces. repeat this procedure for the other side.

Fig. 17 Installing Lower Rope Seal Piece:

5. To install a new rope seal to the main bearing cap, proceed as follows:
a. Apply adhesive part No. 1052621, or equivalent, to seal groove.
b. Position rope seal onto bearing cap.
c. Using rear oil seal installer tool No. J-33153 or equivalent, install seal as shown in Fig. 17.
d. After correctly positioning the seal, rotate rear oil seal installer tool No. J-33153 or equivalent, slightly and cut the seal ends flush with the bearing cap surface.
e. Measure rear main bearing clearance, using Plastigage. The main bearing caps are to be tapped into place with a mallet before attaching bolts are installed.

Fig. 18 Installing Two Piece Rear Crankshaft Seal:

6. To install a two piece type seal in place of the rope seal, proceed as follows:
a. Apply a light coat of clean engine oil to the seal lips where they contact the crankshaft.
b. Roll one seal half into the engine block seal groove until 1/2 of seal end is extending out of the block, Fig. 18.
c. Insert other seal half into the opposite side of the seal groove in the block.
d. The contact ends of the seal halves should now be at the four and ten o'clock positions, or at the eight and two o'clock positions. This is necessary to align the rear main bearing cap and seal lips.

Fig. 19 Applying Sealer To Rear Main Bearing Cap:

7. To install main bearing cap, proceed as follows:
a. Apply a thin film of sealant to the bearing cap as shown in Fig. 19. Do not place sealant in the bearing cap oil relief slot.
b. Apply a light coat of clean engine oil to the crankshaft surface that will contact the seal.
c. Apply clean engine oil to the main bearing cap bolt threads.
d. Tap main bearing cap into place with a mallet.
e. Tighten inner cap bolts to specifications. Then, tighten all bolts again in the same sequence.