Ok, I'm finally in the middle of trying to install the new rear main seal kit. The two halves actually slide in very easy with the crank still in the motor and the mains are still tight, which kind of worries me. The other problem that I'm having is with the side seals. Is there any trick to get these to stay in? Every time I go to slide the retainer into the block it pushes the seals right out. I've tried using a high tack gasket sealer on them and letting them set up first to try and help hold them, but they still just push right out. Am I better off just eliminating them and using a gasket maker in their place?
This job is always harder upside down but here’s is what I do.
I let the side seals stick past the retainer about an 1/8” and once the seals and retainer are started in the block I pinch the retainer and seals with my fingers and slowly slide the retainer down in to the block - the seals will stop once they hit the block - just keep pushing the retainer until it’s flush with the pan rail.
