rear main seal R&R

[Alexander van Gerbig]

    I learned the hard way.  Remove all the bolts, especially those two
lower ones on the oil pan, sounds like you did already.  I didn't and I
believe I bent the pan enough to make it leak.  The way to remove that
flange is not with a pry bar, though that works, but if you notice there are
threaded holes that do not mate up holes in the block.  Take the bolts you
removed and then insert them into those threaded holes that hit the back of
the block, install however many you can, can't remember if it's 4 or 5.
Turn those bolts clockwise, I did one turn on each at a time, so it comes
off flatly.  Make sure when you are getting it off the block the oil pan
gasket doesn't come with it, use a very fine knife to poke it away.

P.S. It is easier to just pay an extra few bucks and get the entire
replacement flange with the seal already pressed in.  I did that my second
time and all was well.  Cost me $30 instead of $9.  Though Rod stocks just
the seal I believe.

Good Luck!

Alexander van Gerbig -- '88 80

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