REAR MAIN SEAL REPLACEMENT 1984'J'SERIES CARS & S/T TRUCK

MODELS AFFECTED: 1984 1/2

In December, 1983, a new "thick" rear main seal went into production in 1984 1/2 Skyhawks equipped with 2.0L L4 engines. Vehicles assembled after the above date will have engines with this new seal. (Note: Verification of the block casting identifier is recommended).

The new seal is available from WDDGM under service kit, P/N 14085829.

Before replacing a rear main seal, the exact source of the leak should be determined. If its verified that the rear oil seal is the cause of the leak, it will be necessary to identify the type of seal required to service the engine. Refer to Figure 1 for die identification mark.

If it is determined that a rear main seal replacement is required, use the following procedure.

1. Support engine.

2. Remove transmission as outlined in the transmission section of the shop manual.

3. Remove flywheel. At this time, again check to confirm rear seal leak.

4. Remove seal by inserting a screwdriver or similar tool in through the dust lip at an angle as shown in Figure 2. Pry seal out by moving handle of screwdriver towards the end of the crankshaft pilot. Repeat as required around the seal until seal is removed. Care must be taken not to damage crankshaft O.D. surface.

5. Check I.D. of bore for knicks or burrs and correct as required. Inspect crankshaft for burrs or nicks on surface which contacts seal. Repair or replace crankshaft as required.

6. Install new seal using tool J-34686 (Figure 3).

7. Install seal over mandrel, slide the seal on the mandrel until dust lip (back of seal) bottoms squarely against collar of tool (Figure 4).

8. Align dowel pin of tool with dowel pin hole in crankshaft and attach tool to crankshaft by hand, or torque attaching screws to 2-5 ft. lbs.

9. Turn "T" handle of tool so that collar pushes seal into the bore, until the collar is tight against case. This will insure the seal is seated properly.

10. Loosen the "T" handle of the tool until it comes to a stop. This will insure that the collar will be in the proper position for installing) a new seal. Remove attaching screws.

11. Check seal, making sure seal is seated squarely in bore.

12. Install flywheel.

13. Start engine, check for leaks.

14. Install transmission.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.