Rear Main Seal install
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 321
Likes: 30
From: Massachusetts
Rear Main Seal install I know I know this topic has been beaten to death, but doing forum searches raises more questions than answers. Since I was changing the clutch I figured I might as well replace the rear main seal even though it's not leaking. I would kick myself later if it ended up leaking and I didn't change it while I had the chance. I bought the chevrolet performance rear main seal housing part #12639250 since I didn't want to deal with an alignment tool and separate gasket. I do not believe I need an alignment tool since the gasket is built in, correct? Also, do I install this dry or not? I was planning on installing it dry with just some rtv on the lower edges.
Remover the rear cover and rear main seal from cover. Be sure to pay attention and re-install the new rear main seal correctly. Install it dry and there's no need to use Permatex.
Buying the cover with the seal installed does not replace the alignment tool. It replaces the seal installer. (Some alignment tools are an alignment tool and seal installer all in one.)
The alignment tool aligns the cover perfectly around the crankshaft. With the seal already installed, you have to eyeball the centralization and be careful how you tighten the bolts. In the end, you probably won't get the longevity out of the cover+seal that you would by doing them separate with the special tools - but that may not be an issue. Obviously, lot's of people are skipping the cover alignment and the world isn't coming to an end. (Over cover alignment, anyway.)
The alignment tool aligns the cover perfectly around the crankshaft. With the seal already installed, you have to eyeball the centralization and be careful how you tighten the bolts. In the end, you probably won't get the longevity out of the cover+seal that you would by doing them separate with the special tools - but that may not be an issue. Obviously, lot's of people are skipping the cover alignment and the world isn't coming to an end. (Over cover alignment, anyway.)
Yes, they are a bit pricey compared to a new cover; rear main seal; and/or rear cover gasket. I did not want subsequent problems either when I did mine, so I purchased the SACCityCorvette alignment tool.
Hi 2001ws6ft,
Being that the rear main cover rarely wares out, we recommend just buying the FelPro seal and gasket kit. Yes the AlignIt tool is a little pricey but it is a precision CNC machined piece.
Our Rear main tool is around $50 but is doesn't ware out so it is reusable. Just so you know, the GM service manual says to align the cover using the Kent Moore tool that cost around $500.
That's why we designed our patented inexpensive tool that is more accurate and easier to use. If you don't get the cover perfectly aligned the seal will rub harder on one side and cause premature failure.
When you think of what it takes to go back in and do the job again, $50 is a small price to pay. Anyway just wanted to let you know the importance of doing it right the first time and that its worth using a tool and not eye balling it.
www.saccitycorvette.com/AlignItTools.html
Thank you,
Christian
Being that the rear main cover rarely wares out, we recommend just buying the FelPro seal and gasket kit. Yes the AlignIt tool is a little pricey but it is a precision CNC machined piece.
Our Rear main tool is around $50 but is doesn't ware out so it is reusable. Just so you know, the GM service manual says to align the cover using the Kent Moore tool that cost around $500.
That's why we designed our patented inexpensive tool that is more accurate and easier to use. If you don't get the cover perfectly aligned the seal will rub harder on one side and cause premature failure.
When you think of what it takes to go back in and do the job again, $50 is a small price to pay. Anyway just wanted to let you know the importance of doing it right the first time and that its worth using a tool and not eye balling it.
www.saccitycorvette.com/AlignItTools.html
Thank you,
Christian
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I've built some LS engines and I've never used any type of alignment tool but its important to make sure that the rear cover is properly aligned or should I say centered on the bolt holes in the engine block. I could make one from PVC pipe if I really wanted something to help me align the cover rather than eyeballing it.
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Verdad Gallardo Now that I've said that, it looks like my new hydraulics are leaking and I'm going to have to drop it again.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 321
Likes: 30
From: Massachusetts
I feel your pain. The whole reason Im doing the rear main seal is i was doing the clutch and i have access to it. I'd shoot myself if it leaked later on. However, watch me create a problem that wasn't there before.
We recommend reusing your original rear main cover since they rarely wear out and get a Fel Pro seal and gasket kit. If you are going to use a new cover
that comes with the seal installed and you want to get the cover aligned properly, then you will have to use a Kent Moore tool ($400). Or you can remove the seal if you want to use our alignIt tool.($50)
Thanks
Christian
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Thank you for your business and using our AlignIt tool.
When you say "my new hydraulics are leaking" are you talking about the clutch Slave cylinder?
Thanks
Christian
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Last edited by saccitycorvette; May 25, 2022 at 05:00 PM.
Christian
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Hi Everyone!
If you need the AlignIt Tools or our Billet oil System improvement parts we have them ready to ship.
https://www.saccitycorvette.com/AlignItTools.html
https://www.saccitycorvette.com/OilS...provement.html
Thank you,
Christian
If you need the AlignIt Tools or our Billet oil System improvement parts we have them ready to ship.
https://www.saccitycorvette.com/AlignItTools.html
https://www.saccitycorvette.com/OilS...provement.html
Thank you,
Christian
__________________
Don't forget to check out our products at www.saccitycorvette.com
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If you like our products, tell others! If not, tell us! https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s/thumbsup.gif
Don't forget to check out our products at www.saccitycorvette.com
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