So I started what I thought would be a (relatively) straightforward clutch job. Unfortunately, I've seemingly hit a roadblock at every turn. Once I finally got the flywheel off, I noticed a little oil seepage from the bottom of the rear main seal. I thought I'd replace it since it's got 160k on it...

I bought an OEM seal. I tried using a rubber mallet and a 3" PVC cap, but it took a bit of force to get it started and the seal started crooked. I got it evened out, but now the whole seal looks to be between 0.260 and 0.290 from the surface of the crank (measured at different points). I could do some more tapping and get it more consistent around the seal, but I'm wondering what effect this will have. Am I going to have to pull the seal out and get a new one? Am I totally screwed?

Side note: when I was dropping the engine, the subframe was stuck to the frame and the pressure released too quickly in my jack. My engine and front subframe then dropped 3" to come to a stop on the subframe bolts. Am I likely to have damaged anything?

Working on this car has been a royal PITA so far... I miss my CRX.

 

The seal should sit on a shoulder, so that it is aligned with the crank. Tap it, around the seal surface, until you feel it evenly bottom out on this shoulder --- all around the seal.

Can you post a photo? Thanks!

 

Original:





New:




How I measured: (I know this isn't a great way to do precise measuring, but I don't have a dial indicator and I'm scrunched up on my back.)

 

does it say to measure off the butt of the crank? I thought you measured from the outside ledge.
The original does look like it sat more flush with the outside ledge.
If windhund is correct then I guess that is what your flush up against now.

 

Actually, it looks ok. The original one had gummed up edges that may have made it look like it's sitting differently.

 

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, then. Everyone on the forum talks about how you have to get it seated to the right depth, so I just wanted to make sure.

Here's the spec from the manual. I definitely measured close to 0.3" at once point on the seal.

 

You're fine.

 

Thanks, guys!