How to use P234 Tool??
 

So I have one task left before putting my 964 motor back in my car, the rear main seal (flywheel seal) and the flywheel itself.

I thought I would treat myself so I bought the P234 tool from Pelican (they have the Sir Tools equivalent). When I opened the box today it looked great! Since this was not a cheap tool I expected a hefty bit of kit and was not disappointed.

However, I just spent about an hour trying to use it and was totally unsuccessful. Since there are no instructions, I wondered if anyone else has used this tool?

I found that the "centering post" would not accept more than two of the attachment bolts into the crankshaft (it should take three) as the third hole is presented just a bit off center. Bummer.

Even with two bolts, it mounts pretty solidly - so I attempted to "press on". No luck - the main barrel of the tool will not even fit over the "centering post" (it will slide over the stud but will not go over the disc bolted to the crankshaft). So there does not seem to be enough travel to install the seal. Huh?

Surely all this is user error! This is a 1990 964 crank and case. The tool is supposed to be good up to 98.

Help!!

Here is what I am dealing with. You can see that the tool simply does not travel far enough back into the case to do anything to help drive in the seal.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1240507772.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1240507787.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1240507800.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1240507814.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1240507831.jpg

I recently changed my seal, a hammer and a piece of wood worked fine for me.

Yes, that has been my method for a long time. Last time I did it the seal leaked, so I _thought_ I would do it the "right" way. Ended up with the hammer and wood method, seal is in. Now I have to try and get Pelican to accept the tool as a return, and their policy is no tool returns...

hard rubber hammer for me.

Pelican accepted the return - awesome! Thumbs up!

This has now been demystified - see http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/474358-rear-main-seal-install-p234-tool-highly-recommended.html

The only problem with beating a seal into place is that you are never really certain if the tension spring is still in place when the pounding is complete.
If you must beat the seal in, three spots of Bosch grease or equivalent viscosity between the outter lip and the tension spring can add a touch of confidence.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242310728.jpg

_Another_ great tip from Henry! Sure wish I had this one a few weeks ago :)

Chris, Did Wayne accept the tool back??

Yes, with the standard restocking fee. Quick and easy return.

Ok, would have bought it.. Did the PVC work well? What case r u running?

964 case, I used a wood block (the handle of a wirebrush actually) and small hammer to get it done.

Yep. I pack the radial seals with grease too.

Never thought of that tip but I'll use it in the future.
Thanks Henry
Tony

Chris, Looking at the photos you took of the P234 tool seems the 27mm ATF flange nut for the tool is missing?