I have a thread going on my xk8 project, but I need some help from anyone who has replaced the rear main seal. I have the tranny out but don't know if the special tool is needed to remove the seal or if anyone has done this with another method. Any help would be appreciated.

 

There are tools available, Jaguar JD229 or Land Rover 303-538 or Laser 6133. It is for removal & installation, basically consists of a cup, three bolts, six self tappers & a cute little thing to make holes in the seal.(laser obligingly give a nice picture of the set, sooo, if your good with tools).....

 

Points to note is keep pressure on the seal for a few seconds once fitted & ensure parallel with rear face of housing within 0.012 inch (Oh & remove seal protector once fitted - yes I know, but someone tried to leave it on!!!)

 

Thanks, the tool is hard to source and pretty expensive. I called Christopher's foreign car parts and talked to Chris. He said they don't use the official tool. They use a punch and then a couple of metal picks to ease it out. I'll try that (without marring the outside surface of the camshaft.

 

Good info. I could easily make that mistake

 

Use a sharp pick to pierce the seal at three & nine o'clock screw in a couple of longish sellf tappers & it should pull out with two pair of pliers. For installation some just push in fairly easily others I've found fifteen minutes or so in the ice box helps + plenty of lube , maybe a piece of tubing of the correct diameter to tap it down evenly.

 

What kind of lube do you suggest? Oil?

 

Oils fine.
I tend to use the same as we use Turbine engines which is Crisco ( the white fat not the oil) as its absolutely pure very slippery & burns off without leaving any residue.

 

Got it out using 4 self tapping strews. Thanks for all the help.