308 2V Rear Main Seal w/o removing the big plate?

Yes that’s possible. I made this puller for The job:

Best, Peter

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Funny. I just use a large screwdriver. Takes about 15 seconds.

 

I have a screw and a pair of pliers ...

 

Or you can get one of this for like $15 at Amazon

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Is such a tool usable for the seal on the camshaft/ distributor side?

 

https://www.hillengineering.co.uk/tools/seal-tools/st-02

You might want this seal installation tool. I have found some seal replacements, eg. the diff seals just go way more easily with this type of custom tool.

I also read that replacement of the rear main seal when it is not installed perfectly straight in the bore (it is a big seal) that you create more leak problems than you might have had before. I see some use a big peice of suitable diameter PCV pipe and then hammer tap on it to set the seal in place, which looks creative. I am all for hillbilly solutions when doing my own work, but these seal installation tools seem the smart way to go about doing the seals that are otherwise hard to access for a redo.

Seal removal can be easy or hard depending on the specifics of each car, some just pop out with a screw driver - and some do not. Many put in a drywall screw or two in holes drilled into the metal seal casing, then lever them to extract the seal. The home made seal puller noted is also a great idea, very clever! I would buy one as a kit (assuming they would be the same for all the 308/28/Mondial series) my rear main seal is due next clutch change.

 

Thanks for your answord Moysiuan, Although it is not really an answer to my specific question . In the past I did it on other cars than the 328 also always with a screwdriver or something similar as you did. With the 328 I am a bit more careful and asked the question about the tool because when removing the camshaft sea,l side distributor one allways disassembling the seal holder and I try to avoid this. I also asked the question in my own thread but did not get any answer and do not understand why. Maybe someone has an answer now ?

 

Homemade pulling tools are mostly for armatures with time but "no" money and I belong to that category. I was not ready to "just" hammer in a screwdriver and attempt to pull it loose potentially scratching either side of the mating seal surfaces. That kind of working methods can be used by pros that have done it many times before and have to make a living or it can be done on equipment of little value. Anyhow, I had fun while producing the 1$ puller and can now change a F-crankshaft end seal in a few of minutes. By the way, I wasted more time yesterday by producing this wonderful gearbox lock nut tool

Best, Peter

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Yes, you can do the seal without pulling the big plate. I pry the seal out. I use a tool made for prying seals out. I do have the Hill Engineering tool for install. Be careful with the inner lip going over the crankshaft. Don't let it fold over. The sleeve of the Hill Engineering tool makes that easy. It doesn't show the sleeve it the photo. The sleeve sits on the end of the crankshaft and is tapered. The seal slides over and onto the crank with ease.

 

That tool is very hard to find and very expensive. If I was into that job, I would weld up a tool like that as well.

 

Ring nut sockets for Ferrari use the same pattern for many applications but in different depths. I can usually find the correct pattern in a less expensive socket and weld to a long extension tube.

 

And that is what I would do too.