Rear Main Seal installation tips/trick. Help!

[4x4dually]

Got a buddy who has put two rear main seals in another guys 2000 Dodge 5 speed. The first one leaked so they did it again. Now, the second one is leakin' after less than a year.

Can anyone tell him how to put a rear main seal on the engine and keep it from leaking? I have no idea how he was doing it, but I'd be greatful for any advice that I could pass along.

 

[Billysgoat]

Have him check into an off bore seal, I think that's what they are called. A standard seal will eat its way into the crank where it rides, once that groove is in it good luck on another seal hitting the groove just right to seal it. An offset seal moves the sealing area either out or in on the crank so the seal surface is riding on "new" metal.

To install it take the seal up to your local hardware store and find a wood holesaw just a bit bigger than the rubber part of the seal, now find a suitable block of wood to hog out that size hole in. Wala! Instant redneck seal driver.

 

[4x4dually]

Thanks Billy. I'll tell him.

 

[joefarmer]

The cummins rear main kit comes with a seal driver. Make sure they are installing it by driving the seal in the right direction. I ruined one by not following directions and ended up ordering a new one. Also make sure to use the plastic spacer to slip the seal plate on the crank.

Cummins makes a wear sleeve for the crank, that's a great option to make a 'new' crank surface for the seal to ride on.

 

[MAXTORQ]

One thing that is not mentioned is that the seal MUST be installed DRY , just like the front seal.