IDK if the crank pulley bolt is 3/4" (19mm) or smaller. Do turn it tighter/clockwise, which would mean driving up on the passenger side of the seal. Suppose an assistant would be about necessary.

Thinking further on that though...it's hard to imagine the crank is offering much resistance. At least until it's loose and maybe jamming up in there...Heck, If a guy could "press and jam" it, then the crank might be real help!

 

Here here is a (second I've found), reference of driving on the end of a wire in the seal. If it actually is the end of a wire, I could see a carpenters nail set working, as it has a socket on the tip. Driving on a wire that went all the way around, might be effective in my opinion. Then he mentions rotating the crank to install. >> http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoRearMain.htm

 

I have also had both the same issues when replacing my rear main seal in my 2000 XJ. It turns out that every part store I went to had the older style seal listed for my engine. The seal without the "wings" is from mid 99 (I think) on. Just go back to the parts store and ask for a seal for a 2001. It should fit just fine.

I also had a hell of a time getting the upper half of my rear main seal out of the block. I ended up loosening all of the main caps and letting the crank hang down just a little tiny bit to get the tension off of the seal then it came right out.

Sam

 

Thanks guys.

My xj has 246,xxx miles on it so she's pretty worn-in. Much needed maintenance with the RMS and pan gasket.

 

HA! Tapping the passenger side worked like a charm.

 

Excellent. Glad you got it. Did you get the correct seal?

 

Yea. Unfortunately, I nicked the upper part getting it in cause that feeder piece that came with the seal kit broke. I used a small piece of a drinking straw and used the other half, as they are identical. It's such a small nick but I figured it would be better to get it set in the cap rather than use it on the top. The local napa didn't have another kit and the one I returned was slightly different.

 

?

 

Well, that can happen. It is a small nick but I would get a new one..

 

RMS is holding up well. No leaks.. thanks guys

 

Did you use the one with the nick in it or replace it?

 

The nicked one, unfortunately. I used it in the bearing cap.. it was a hairline cut that I kneaded into place and it sat really well in the cap.
Really I think I just got lucky.