whats the best way to get the top half of a rear main seal out if its stuck?

 

Just take a flathead screwdriver and a small hammer. Tap against one end of the seal until it slides out the other side. Then grab it with pliers and pull it out.

 

Or you may be able to get an angled pick in there. Just dont scratch anything.

 

i used a punch cause encased in the rubber seal there is metal just hit the metal really carefully

 

Try to use a wooden dowel. It won't scratch anything. I couldn't find one so I used a brass punch

 

A punch and a steady hand

 

i used the end of a welding stick that you use with a stick welder, just tap slowly, when the other side starts sticking out, grab it with some needle nose. Dont... scratch anything...

 

Yes key it to be seriously careful I cracked the block of my zj trying to get that damn thing out. And getting the new one in is a pain also.

 

Use a little bit of clean oil on the one side when you install the new one, and make sure you put a little tab of rtv where the two half touch.

 

Read the directions.
They will tell you to use a brass punch.
On the re-install. There is a reason why instructions tell you to use liquid soap, not oil. It will help with the sealing. Do it right tell first time and you won't have to do it again.

 

Sorry, that's right, soap. My bad, I did mine back in may.

 

I get a drinking cup from a fast food place that is made of thin flexible plastic. Cut a piece into a small wedge to use as a shoehorn to protect the edge of the seal from getting nicked. Shoot oil around the crank with a medicine dropper and use your shoe horn and that thing will go right in like it wants to be there.

EDIT - Dang, soap not oil! I forgot too!

 

Gotcha. These things happen.

 

Lol what!? How do you crack your block doing a rms? Using a 20 pound sledge or what? Rms are a pita and it's very delicate work.

 

thanks everybody....what if i didnt use dish soap on the seal do i have to start all over because the car is back together and running great and no leaks yet.