drsab2000

So I'm completing my clutch/rear seal replacement and I discovered a couple of grooves in the rear main sealing surface of the crankshaft. The one closer to the block I can feel with my fingernail. The other one is unperceivable to the touch. I believe the outer one is from the seal. Now for the questions:

1. Is the groove closer to the block normal and a part of the crank machining?
2. Should I polish the sealing surface or just clean it with solvent? What should I use?
3. The manual says the seal should have a gap of 0.020 to 0.030 inch between the rear of the seal and the bottom of the right cover plate. How critical is this? My gut tells me to press the seal flush to the outside of the plate so it will not ride on the same surface as the old seal.

Any comments would be appreciated!

1999 Honda Civic EX

drsab2000

Anyone????

Lizardslap

I dont really know

but I see a grove on the outside of the block thats not gonna **** oil so It dont matter

bgdriver

Just push the seal in a little bit farther than the old one came out. If you don't feel comfortable with that, Felpro sells a sleeve repair kit.

EKSedAndy

Huh?

This is right, the groove isn't supposed to be there, but it is very common that the old seal wears a groove. Most of the time you can get away with just pushing the new seal on a bit farther so it's not sitting right in that same groove.

drsab2000

The old seal had a rear gap of 0.060 inch much larger than the spec from the manual (0.020 to 0.030). I'm wondering if the original seal from the factory has the larger gap so that when it's changed, it will contact a new surface.

strategy400

My crank had a slight groove and I set the seal-to-housing clearance in the factory spec. So far (about 50k) no leaks. I think the seal will either miss the groove or fall back into it, conform to its new situation and make a good seal either way (assuming you do a good square and proper install). Use Hondabond on the housing.

Muckman

iTrader: (2)

Ive built half a dozen Honda engines. All had the same groove in the crank. Ive never had a leaking issue after using a new rear main seal. I dont measure or move the seal.