goodoldboy

Hey guys got a problem.. 90 xj 4.0. Doing a rear main seal on it, followed a writeup on jeepin.com. It said to pull pan and bearing cap, then use a punch to push top half out from crank. well in doing so it not only just pushed the rubber further in the block and destroyed that small portion..... It also chipped part of the very back of the block.. Maybe 5mm by 2mm? But in each side there's a small chip missing. We reassembled with only a new bottom seal, applied a good bit of gasket sealer to it and let it set up. Filled with oil and tried it out. Now I didn't honestly think it would be a 100% seal and great job. But it still leaks just as bad as before... Before tearing down again tonight and possibly having to remove the transmission, is it even worth pulling back apart and trying again. I'm not sure with that chip of the block gone if it would be a waste of another 4hrs and oil bath. Please help!!!

Hommersimpson

Need to see pics of the damage ...

93gc40

So your saying . 1. you chipped part of the block. 2. You left the mangled top half of the old seal in. I would be surprised if it will hold any oil. Tear it down and fix it.

OverlandZJ

Make sure your driving the seal from the steel ring inside the rubber seal itself. It's a small dia round piece.. pushing the rubber wont budge it.

Is the chip inside of the bearing cap towards crank?.. you may be alright if you didnt nick the crank journal.

Pic?

goodoldboy

Yes I know it was hillbilly as hell to do that. In desperate times it calls for desperate measures. But no we did not knick the journal and its the furthest back part of the block that chipped. Were going to try again today after work.

RENIXBEAST

As stated above it is imperative you drive the actual metal in the seal not the rubber. Also be a little more careful this time, don't chip anything. It would be really crappy having to change an engine over a little thing like that.

goodoldboy

alright.. will get some pictures soon. were starting on it now. thanks for the input guys