OK to DRILL thru Rear Main Seal?

[Eulers]

Is it ok to drill thru the face of the rear main seal?
I mean will the chips that fall thru on the other side end up in engine or will the chips just fall some place inconsequential?

I want to drill thru the RMS face & tap two screws so I can yank it out. I've broken one screwdriver so far. I found out the reason is that this FelPro Teflon Rear Main Seal has a flange on both sides so it's a ton stiffer than an OEM unit. The Felpro won't deform & pry out with a screwdriver like the OEM unit.

Is it safe to do considering the metal drilling shavings?

 

[BK_CAULEY]

use a small bit and grease it up good. the drill bit should push the shavings out backwards. turn the drill at a slower rpm also.

 

[mob]

Have you tried a seal pulling tool you get at parts stores? I've never used used it so I dont know how much better it works than a screw driver, but may want to give it a try before you do that. The method stated above should work though. Same technique when you are drilling your oil pan for an oil return line. They tell you, you dont have to remove the oil pan. I believe there is always a risk though.