Pontiac 10036788 Seal Assembly, Crankshaft Rear Oil

Always service both halves of the rear Crankshaft Seal as a unit. While replacing this seal is much easier with the engine removed from the car, it can be done with the engine in place. Begin by removing the oil pan and oil pump, followed by the rear main bearing cap from the engine. Use a screwdriver to pry the lower half of the Crankshaft Seal from the bearing cap. For the upper half, utilize a small hammer and a brass pin punch to roll the seal around the crankshaft journal, tapping one end until the other end protrudes enough to pull it out with pliers. Clean all sealant and foreign material from the cylinder bearing cap and case without using abrasive cleaners, and inspect components for nicks, scratches, or burrs at all sealing surfaces. Coat the seal lips of the new seal with light engine oil, avoiding oil on the seal mating ends. A small plastic installation tool should be included with the purchase of the rear Crankshaft Seal. Position the narrow end of this tool between the crankshaft and the seal seat to protect the new seal from damage. Raise the new upper half of the seal into position with the seal lips facing the front of the engine, pushing it onto its seat while using the installation tool for protection. Roll the seal around the crankshaft, using the tool as a shoehorn, and once both ends of the seal are flush with the engine block, carefully remove the installation tool without withdrawing the seal. Install the lower half of the Crankshaft Seal to the bearing cap, again using the installation tool for protection, ensuring the seal is firmly seated before withdrawing the tool. Smear a bit of sealant to the bearing cap areas adjacent to the seal ends, then install the bearing cap with the seal and torque the attaching bolts to about 10 to 12 ft-lb. Tap the end of the crankshaft first rearward, then forward to align the thrust surfaces, retorque the bearing cap bolts to the proper specification, and finally install the oil pump and oil pan.

For these engines, soak new neoprene side seals in kerosene for five minutes and place them in the grooves on the bearing cap. Ensure they are not cut to fit. Apply a sealer to the surface of the bearing cap that mates with the block around the seal groove. Then, reverse the removal steps to install the cap and oil pan.

Begin by removing the engine drive belts for each accessory.

After checking main bearing oil clearances, apply a thin, even coat of anaerobic-type gasket sealant to the indicated areas, avoiding contact with the bearing face, crankshaft journal, seal ends, or seal lips. Lubricate the seal lips with moly-base grease or clean engine oil.

Carefully pry the oil seal out of the front cover with a large screwdriver, taking care not to distort the cover.

A small plastic installation tool should be included with the purchase of the rear main oil seal; if not, make one by cutting an old feeler gauge blade.

Drive in the new shedder using a punch, ensuring to stake it in place in at least three locations.

Install the rear oil seal and flywheel to facilitate engine rotation during reassembly.

The remaining seal half is then installed in the rear main bearing cap, also ensuring proper seating.

Clean the seal bore and crankshaft sealing surface thoroughly, then inspect the crankshaft for any scratches, burrs, or nicks that could damage the seal lip and cause oil leaks.