Rear main seal replacement B20B

[lelshaddai]

I received the lower gasket set and it has felt seals for the front and rear main. The engine has rubber seals right now. Are the felt seals good enough for this. I do not want to pull the engine again from leaking.

[mocambique-amazone]

No, the felts won't fit and are not good. Buy rubber ones. Why use the bad 8fcthe good one is available?
Regards, Kay

[tdz840]

Originally Posted by lelshaddai

I received the lower gasket set and it has felt seals for the front and rear main. The engine has rubber seals right now. Are the felt seals good enough for this. I do not want to pull the engine again from leaking.

I think the general consensus is the neoprene(rubber) seals are the better fit. However im sure someone will be along to say they prefer the felt seal.
Both types still need careful alignment, but the neoprene has a lip seal so 'not so' critical.
However as you have the neoprene you cant go back to felt as the cover has been machined to accept the later seal.
You will need to purchase both front and rear seals
HTH
Russ

[Derek UK]

You don't need to disturb the seal holder and hopefully that is aligned correctly. The old seal should hook out easily but being so big the new one needs care when fitting. Tap in square with a block of wood. Some rubber lube on the seal a good idea. There is a special stuff for it but clean oil is fine. A small tear in the seal lip will have you doing the job again very quickly.
As mentioned previously I note your rusty spigot/pilot bearing. The new one is likely a sealed unit but you can still use the cover plate and clip. Old bearing might be a pig to remove so good luck with that. A slide hammer usually works.
Is your front seal felt or a lip seal? As said, they aren't interchangeable in the same cover.

[lelshaddai]

The front and rear are both rubber. I am trying to find a good source to purchase just the seals. All I can find are kits. I have the cover gaskets already. I have a new pilot bearing.

[Derek UK]

Try Mike Dudek at http://www.irollmotors.com/

[tdz840]

To remove the nose piece bearing get a tight fitting dowel ( if necessary using maskung tape to make tight) then fill the centre hole with a thickish grease. Good **** with the hammer against the dowel will force the bearing out hnder pressure.
May take several goes
Russ

[Ron Kwas]

lelshaddi;

It's important to replace the old seal with the same new seal, because that is what the housing was cut for...and I see numbers on seal...so I'd cal a bearing supplier and give them the number and ask if they can supply.

Dittos on replacing Pilot bearing that is showing rust (just for yucks, stick your finger into it and turn it and see what it feels like, if you need convincing...)! Sliding hammer or hydraulic push from behind will remove it pronto.

Cheers

[Austinvolvo]

With regard to pilot bearing removal: The hydraulic method of removal that Russ points out can also be done with a dowel and wet tissue.

dean