replacing rear main questions

[terminaltsi]

i'm about to install a new rear main seal but don't remember if the hole in the retainer ring is supposed to be up or down or ??? does it matter where the hole is?

 

[steel_3d]

I believe it needs to be at the bottom to allow oil to drain and presumably not pool up on the seal.

 

[terminaltsi]

that's what i've heard.... thanks for the input.

 

[sb7775]

You are correct it goes down. Don't forget if its on a engine stand and its upside down it goes up.
Steve

 

[Mitsu90GSX]

not to hijack your thread, but while we're on the subject, does the seal go in the case w/ the groove towards the block, or the groove facing outward towards the trans? took mine out a while ago, just now gettin around to replacing it, forgot how it goes...thanks

 

[steel_3d]

Just like every other oil seal, the flat side should be on the outside. So in this case the flat side should be on the tranny side, since you're trying to keep the oil in the engine.

 

[Mitsu90GSX]

k, cool, thanks...one more thing, the manual says to press it in from the front side, the seal is quite a bit bigger than the front opening on the case, looks like it would be easier to press it in from the back side, is this ok to do? thanks again
-Ryan

 

[steel_3d]

Can't remember, but obviously you can't press it in from the side that has a lip.

By "front" they could have meant the direction to the front of the engine which is where the #1 cylinder is, along with timing belt, pulleys, etc.

 

[terminaltsi]

yeah you have to press it in from the back of the housing so that the flat front is flush with the lip of the housing. it's a pain too make sure you lube the seal a little so you don't wreck it. if you have something round to use when you start hammering it in, use it to evenly press the seal in.