Rear main seal removal issue

[BSand92]

I've been working on and off for about 2 months now at getting the rear main seal on my 92 5.0 out with no luck. I've heard the use a screw driver and pry it out, take a screw and pull it out...just about everything. My problem is the center section around the crank came out fine(and in pieces), but the outside of the seal that goes into the block will not come out. I have no clue how to get into the very narrow groove to get all the seal out. I've used a pick and hook set, tried a utility knife, and just about everything else I can think of. But it isn't working.

How in the hell am I supposed to get the thing out????? It's pretty frustrating when almost everything I read talks about it coming out easy.

Anyone have a clue?

Thanks for any help!!

 

[Lawbreaker5.0]

Pic would help. I've always used a flathead and break the seal towards the outside/block side so you stay away from the crank. I guess you're saying the seal broke in two and there is a piece stuck in there, I ve never seen that happen but I've only done a handful of them.

 

[faststang90]

we have a seal puller works good no problems. just go to the auto parts place they should have one. when u install the new one i would add a little oil to the crank.

Performance Tool W1219 - Performance Tool Seal Pullers - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

[BSand92]

I got around to taking a picture. In the pic you can see that the seal is removed around the crank (and has come out in pieces), but the part that sets in the outer grove is being a pain in the ass. At the bottom of the pic it appears that the entire seal is removed, however there is still some of the seal down in the groove that I can't get too. I don't know how I'm supposed to get it out. Anyone ever see a rear main seal come out like this?

 

[Repostyle]

My guess is the last person to put that in there used gasket sealer. It should have just been pressed in there and come out without any problems. I would try a little heat and a dental hook.

 

[1993SSP]

I am with repostyle, take a heat gun if you have one and heat it up, I have never seen one do that either, make sure you clean it up well once you get the gasket out and install the new one properly. I absolutely hate wrenching behind a previous owner who half asses a job.

 

[87coupe50]

looks to me like you are only pulling off the soft rubber coating (in pieces) around the piece of hard plastic with spring retainer that actually provides the stability for the seal.

You need to insert the screw driver (carefully) under the seal closer to the crank and pry outward towards the seal. you should feel the piece of hard plastic with spring retainer crush a little, do that in a semi circle around the crank. Then insert the screwdriver in the outer part of the seal and pry inward toward the crank. Since you already crushed the inner part of the ring it will give you space to pry it out.

I just had to do this for the first time the other day. Had the same issue as you at first till I realized the metal ring had to come out also. The seal is about 5/16 of an inch or more all together.

 

[BSand92]

Wow! I feel like a total idiot now. 87 you were exactly right. I thought the metal i was looking at was part of the crank or block and didn't even realize it was a part of the seal. I was so paranoid about all the don't screw the crank up talk I was afraid to just pry on that metal. Well once you said that was a part of the seal, I went down with a screwdriver and took it out in about 20 seconds. Can't believe I worked on and off for 2 months and the entire time I was just being too cautious. It does come out as easy as they say. Thanks 87!!!