Front & Rear Main Seal Replacement Questions....

SRT Handz · Jul 12, 2010

So I am putting in the PI motor next weekend..... I was considering replacing the Front and Rear main seals when/before I install.

Few Questions I am having trouble finding answers for.

-Do I REALLY need any special tools to replace the front and rear main seals on the 4.6?

SRT Handz · Jul 12, 2010

anyone?

greenscobie86 · Jul 12, 2010

How many miles on the motor?

I did a clutch on my 100k mile NPI back a couple of years ago and the seals weren't leaking at all.. So I left them be, no problems...

If the seals aren't leaking now and the car doesn't have high miles, I would leave the seals in place.

SRT Handz · Jul 12, 2010

motor has 60K. No seals are leaking..... But while the motor is on the stand I would like to swap both for good measure.

I know the front will need to be changed for sure because i am swapping the timing cover from my 98' and I want the seal changed for good measure.

reivaxtorres · Jul 12, 2010

no, you dont need any special tools. u need a flat screw driver and rubber hammer to drive out the old seals, and get a socket to gently hammer the new seals in place. take note of how far in they are set and make sure you put the new ones the same way. it sometimes helps to rub a little oil on the outside of the seal to make it slide in easier.

SRT Handz · Jul 12, 2010

Hey X, So its the same process with the front and back?

97stanger · Jul 12, 2010

i just bought brand new front/rear seals for my motor. yep, you just need basic tools

duff daddy · Jul 12, 2010

you can use a special tool, but you dont need to.

SRT Handz · Jul 12, 2010

Duffy, can you describe the way you would change these out?

Willis_98GT · Jul 13, 2010

greg, front comes out easy, and oil will help getting the new front one in place.

rear is the samee way

reivaxtorres · Jul 13, 2010

SRT Handz said:
Hey X, So its the same process with the front and back?

yup, same process for the 2. its really simple to do. just tap the old one out, tap the new one in. tada!

MustangChris · Jul 13, 2010

i replaced the front main on my GT (use a felpro one, they are 1pc instead of Ford's 3pc.)

all i did was dab on a little RTV around the edges (very very very thin layer) and then got a socket the exact same size in diamerter, a piece of wood, and hammered 'er in.

Ford also sells a special tool to properly pull the old one out to ensure you dont damage the sealing surface of the timing cover, but I used a flat head and some dedication....

if you dont ahve a socket that right size, i went to napa and they cut exhaust pipe for me and gave me 2" of it for free, as well.

mike97gt · Jul 13, 2010

i personally wouldnt put anything on either of the seals before installing. other than a touch of grease on the inner surfaces. a little bit of thin oil wouldnt be bad to help them press in.
first time doing my rear main i used a plate and a hammer and i didnt like how it went it. next time doing it i just brought it to work and used the press to install it.
front seal just used a dead blow (soft) hammer and popped it in. havent had issues since.
also a good idea to put a small amount of gasket maker on the seams of that rear cover where it meets the block. oil can pass by there with just the oilpan gasket.

MustangChris · Jul 13, 2010

mike97gt said:
i personally wouldnt put anything on either of the seals before installing. other than a touch of grease on the inner surfaces. a little bit of thin oil wouldnt be bad to help them press in.
first time doing my rear main i used a plate and a hammer and i didnt like how it went it. next time doing it i just brought it to work and used the press to install it.
front seal just used a dead blow (soft) hammer and popped it in. havent had issues since.
also a good idea to put a small amount of gasket maker on the seams of that rear cover where it meets the block. oil can pass by there with just the oilpan gasket.

hm. nice advice on that rear cover... ill do that too.

MustangChris · Jul 13, 2010

in case you want the tools that ford suggests:

balancer remover:
303-009 (T58P-6316-D)
crank seal installer and aligner:
303-335 (T88T-6701-A)
front seal remover:
303-107 (T74P-6700-A)
seal installer:
303-635
pulley installer:
303-102 (T74P-6316-B)