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Rear seal replacement?

Tiny
FLOATR925
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 203,000 MILES
I'm replacing the 2 rear main seals. I did it 2 years ago but somehow a leak again. I wanted to know if offsetting the seals 3/8 of an inch is a better way to do it. With black RTV at ends at where bearing bolts up at to.

And is it okay if I could only get the 2 bolts to 80ft lbs, vs the recommended 85?

And is it okay to use black RTV at mating surface of oil pump?
And what's the torq on oil pan, ft lbs?
How does the bearing look?


Any other suggestions are appreciated.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 8:15 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Wow, that engine has over 200,000 miles? The bearings look great for that amount of miles. As far as the seal, no don't offset it. I attached the directions below. Follow the directions for the best results. Remember to lubricate the upper seal before installing.

As far as the oil pan bolts are concerned, I attached the torque specifications below. Note that they are listed in inch-pounds and not foot-pounds. (Pic 8)

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
FLOATR925
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  • 66 POSTS
I got it all back together and I drove it about 70 miles both interstate and city. Yep, drip mark again! On that transmission flywheel casing.

The seals looked fine from the old one too.
I've already replaced valve covers and checked the oil pressure switch, no leak.
What should I look at next?

I'm going to double check the pan gasket but it's new.

Note: I noticed after I put the bearing cap on and sealed it. A tiny bit of seepage, so not sure if that factors it.
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 5:15 PM
Tiny
FLOATR925
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  • 66 POSTS
I turned over cao and see through it where there is an opening there. Is there supposed to be something in there. And what's it open for?
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
FLOATR925
  • MEMBER
  • 66 POSTS
Something else I noticed in cap is that the 2-aluminum c shaped seals were able to move a bit left and right. Although once bolted it won't move an RTV will possibly seal.I wanted to know on those too. Is there supposed to be something in there, last pic arrow.
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 5:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

In which pic are you seeing aluminum C-shaped seals? Which pic above? I'm not familiar with anything like that. Also, check the end play in the crankshaft. Grab the crank pulley and see if there is in and out play. If the thrust bearings are worn, that can cause the rear main to leak.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
FLOATR925
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  • 66 POSTS
The shiny parts on that bearing cap I meant those 2 rows.
Can I check that play since ita all bk together now and where. At front?

When I had cap off the 2 shiny rows on cap/cover easily pivited left or right just a tad.
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 9:03 PM
Tiny
FLOATR925
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  • 66 POSTS
Where's the thrust bearings?
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The thrust bearings are used to control axial (side-to-side) movement or thrust along the length of the crankshaft. The primary function of thrust bearings is to support the axial loads generated by the engine's operation. In other words, it prevents forward and backward movement of the crankshaft.

On this engine, the upper and lower No. 2 bearing halves are flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads. They are not interchangeable with any other bearing.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 9:55 PM
Tiny
FLOATR925
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  • 66 POSTS
So those pieces aren't replicable.? I bet they've worn an oil is getting past. What do you think?
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 7:10 PM
Tiny
FLOATR925
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  • 66 POSTS
How do I check for play on crank?
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 7:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

As far as the thrust bearings are concerned, they can be replaced. If you are at the front of the engine, grab the harmonic balancer and pull in and out on it. There should be very little movement. If it is moving more than 1/16" the bearing is worn. And yes, that can cause both front and rear main seals to leak.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
FLOATR925
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  • 66 POSTS
Okay, I will try that. So, those 2 rows are thrust bearings, is there top thrust bearings on top to replace with the ones in cap?
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Friday, September 29th, 2023 AT 7:02 AM
Tiny
FLOATR925
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  • 66 POSTS
Is it normal for them to pivot back and forth a tad as you push the sides of them on the cap?
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Friday, September 29th, 2023 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The thrust bearing is flanged to prevent movement. As far as replacing them, only journal 2 has them. And yes, top and bottom.

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Joe
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Friday, September 29th, 2023 AT 10:05 PM

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