DeTomaso Mailing List: December 2000, Message #76

Two questions:  1.  Direction to install Rear Main Seal.  2.  How tight to torque the Main Caps

I have dropped the pan (lots of fun on a Saturday evening) and dropped the crank approximately 1/4" and removed the rear end cap.  I was able to easily drive out the upper half of the seal using a welding rod as driving tool.  

What I am about to describe might only make sense to those that have seen the rear main seal and remember what they look like.  The seal itself has a ridge (or let's call it a 'high point') that is what actually makes contact with the crankshaft.  The way the seal was installed when I removed it had this ridge (or 'high point') closer to the internal side of the engine with the seal sloping off towards the transaxle.  

Now for the 64 thousand dollar question...is this the proper direction for the seal to go or should the ridge of the seal go towards the outside (transaxle side)?  I know I should probably just put the new seal in the same way I took the old one out.....but.....I am planning on doing this ONE time this week and not again next week when I realize I installed the seal the wrong direction!

Overall, this has only turned into a 2 hour job so far and has been fun.  I am planning on using assembly lube as I tighten up the main caps and of course I will follow the proper torque sequence.  In addition, I am using loctite on the ARP cap bolts.  As I tighten each main cap I will rotate the engine to make sure there is no binding, etc.

One other question...what is the proper final torque amount (in Ft. Lbs) for the main caps (I have a 4 bolt main block)?

Kevin Jones
Evisions, Inc.
949-833-1384 x.231
http://www.evisions.com

18818 Teller Avenue
Suite 250
Irvine, California 92612

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