Advice on how to replace these seals.

[pwillikers]

Any advice on tricky time tested techniques on getting the old seals out and putting new seals in?

I can't tell whether it's the rear crankshaft seals or the transmission input seal that's spewing oil all over the inside of the "bell housing". Can you? This is academic really 'cause since I'm in here I'll replace everything I can get my hands on.


Is it the transmichigan seal that's been leaking?


or the crankshaft seal(s)?



The manual has special tools galore for the crankshaft seals replacement.






And for the transmission seal as well.

[RoundelRider]

Damn dude...........been leaking a while??

One trick to pulling seals is to drill 2 holes in the metal part of the seal, screw a small wood/self tapping screw into the hole and work it out. DONT HIT THE SHAFT or your screwed..........so to speak!

Id say its the trans seal leaking. There dosent appear to have a bunch of oil around the engine main seal, and the trans seal almost looks saturated. Also look on your clutch parts and flywheel. The leaky seal may have left oil streaks from it getting flung toward the outside.

I didnt replace my engine main seal.........didnt have the special tools and it wasnt leaking, aint broke didnt fix it. I did replace the 3 seals on the back of the trans and used "engineered methods" Ive leard from expirence to get the seals in as I didnt have a choice.

Ive used sockets, ratchet extensions, drift punch, coffee mugs (for larger seals) and my trusty, crusty small hammer. Ill wipe the sealing part of the seal with some vaseline or grease to help it slide better.

Have fun and Good Luck!

[wswartzwel]

Since the crankshaft seals are not made like a conventional seal, you will need a special tool to hold the sealing lip back and expanded as you press them into place. I used a section from a yogurt container to hold the seal lip back when i replaced flattbutts outer seal... I got lucky and it worked.. I plan to make some seal installing sleeves on my lathe next time though, as getting them in right is essential .

[Bob Hancock]

is this the best oilhead forum or what?

[pwillikers]

Yes this is the best oilhead forum. Hands down.

I finally got all the parts from Chicago BMW. Bigred455 came over this morning for moral and technical support and ended up spending the whole day here helping me get the thing back together. He's very skilled.

Here's how we replaced the front seal on the transmission. Drilled two small holes in the seal, partially screwed in some wood screws and levered the seal out by grabbing the screw heads with pliers and used a block and big screw driver for fulcrum and lever then tapped in the new seal with a deep well socket 'til the socket bottomed on the shaft then finished tapping it in with the old seal. Like Buttah.