oil pan

[driver007]

I cleanded the oil pan and motor block off, got rid of the old gasket. The manual says to loosen all the crank end caps when working on the main rear seal. Does this sound right and is there a right and wrong in the pattern when tighting the caps back up. This is a AMC 304 AMC any idea on the torque. I would like to compare to my manual. thanks

 

[Posi]

I know it's cheating doing it on the stand but this is my 360 when I did my rear main seal (same as your AMC 304 ).

The rear main oil seal consists of a two piece neoprene single lip seal that needs to be installed correctly so it doesn’t leak. I first removed the rear main bearing cap (you can see the lower seal in the cap).



I removed the lower seal and cleaned the cap of old sealer.



I loosened all the remaining bearing cap bolts and used a brass drift to tap out the upper seal enough to grab it with pliers from the opposite side.

Note: on the outer edge of the seal there is a wire (this is what I tapped on with the brass drift).



I cleaned the block seal surface and lightly oiled. I coated the block contact surface of the new upper seal with soap and the lip seal with engine oil. I then pushed the upper seal in the engine block.



I coated both sides of the new lower seal end tabs with black RTV and the outer curved surface with soap and the lip with oil. After setting the lower seal into the cap recess I put some black RTV on both chamfered edges of the cap. I also laid a bead on the block as well.



I stepped torque all the cap bolts at 50, 80, and 100 ft/lbs (AMC 360)





Hope this helps.

 

[jeepboy45]

Good response Posi..

 

[BusaDave9]

When I read your post driver007 I was going to say "yes, loosen up all the bearings" but then I saw Posi said that plus gave through step by step with pictures.
Great answer Posi.

 

[driver007]

A big thanks I removed the end cap placed the inside seal in the end cap. when I put I put the one on the outside of the end cap it was short. I then seen that they have it that way for the pan gasket to mate into it. when you look at the gasket on the end cap it looks short. But fits together I will install tommorow. Does it matter when you torqe if you start in the middle or start from the end. I understand stepping it I have done that before. once again thanks

 

[Posi]

Does it matter when you torqe if you start in the middle or start from the end.

I loosen the cap bolts from the rear of the engine forward and reversed the order on installation, stepping as mentioned.

 

[BusaDave9]

My understanding is you tighten the bearing caps in the middle first. Work your way outward.

 

[BusaDave9]

Yes tighten the middle bearing caps first like this:

 

[driver007]

I will have to print that one off. No way in heck I would remember thanks

 

[Posi]

FSM doesn’t mention an order just to tighten evenly, but I would use Dave’s post as a guide especially if you’re loosening all the cap bolts. I recall loosening three sets and it was enough to relieve the pressure to remove the seal.

 

[driver007]

What is the proper word to use when you bitch up a rear top part of the main seal. The old one came out easy with a drift. I soaped and oiled as per instructions. Started out fine then it started to peel the last inch of the top part of the seal. I may loosen off some the end cap bolts to help the install. Next step, order to sets of seals. Live and learn.

 

[BusaDave9]

You'll have to get a new seal.
Next time loosen all the bearing caps.

 

[jeepboy45]

What is the proper word to use when you bitch up a rear top part of the main seal. The old one came out easy with a drift. I soaped and oiled as per instructions. Started out fine then it started to peel the last inch of the top part of the seal. I may loosen off some the end cap bolts to help the install. Next step, order to sets of seals. Live and learn.

I believe you used the proper word!!!
At least it wasnt something irrepairable...

 

[driver007]

Try a short cut after being told how shame on me, for sure I will loosen.

 

[BusaDave9]

and wet the seal with oil

 

[Turbogus]

Thanks for the tip of loosening all he bearing caps to ease removal of the seal. No mention of this in the AMC Jeep TSM, all they mention is removal of the main bearing cap!

 

[BusaDave9]

in the AMC Jeep TSM, all they mention is removal of the main bearing cap!

Try that first but I always find the seal won't budge. Then you can try loosening the other bearing caps. That's what I always end up having to do.

remember you don't have to remove any caps but the main rear. Just loosen the others.

 

[Turbogus]

I hear ya, Dave. Maybe since it's only been 5 years with minimal milage it'll go easier on mine, nonetheless it's a great tip !