Hey guys, well I tried to solve this problem by myself but I guess I just cant

So as some of you guys know, I did my clutch about a month ago, and while I did that I replaced my rear main seal (with a NAPA seal which is made the by the same company as Toyota seals) while I was at it. Well after the first time I did it, my car would leak a few drops everytime I turned off the car, so I was pissed but I then did my rear main seal again with another NAPA seal. After bolting everything up again, it leaked BAD, I would leave a trail wherever I drove, so I of course did not drive my car and got rides from friends until I was able to do it again. I attempted it again yesterday (now able to do a clutch in 5 hours, and rear main seal in 6.5 ) and I also used some "Indianhead" shellac compound around the outer part of the seal (a technician at Toyota told me to do this), but anyway after I finished my car STILL leaked horribly but not quite as bad (but I still leave a slight trail of oil ) . This last time I again used a NAPA seal for a 94 Toyota Supra (should be the right seal? or is it not?), along with a speedy sleeve on the crankshaft which seemed a little loose (the sleeve that is). So I seriously need your guy's help, Ive already dropped my tranny 3 times in the last month, and next time I do it I want it done right.

SO what I need to know is: 1.) Will a 94 Supra NA seal work on an SC3?, 2.) Is it the NAPA seals causing the leak?), 3.) How much should the seal be pushed in so it seated correctly, 4.) Any other things?

Please guys, this is a major pain in the azz and I wish I never replcaed the damn seal in the first place

 

How much torque are you applying? it almost sounds as it you are over torquing the seal and causing it to crush. As for the oart type, I didn't take time to do a search but that might, be a problem. You have the 5spd right? have you cleaned the area with and watched to see where the leak orginates from?

just my .02 cents, keep us informed.

Josh

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

Hmm, well explain how I could apply too much torque? All Im doing is just sticking the seal into the circular space between the crankshaft and engine block, I dont see how I could be overtorquing anything?

 

are you droping the oil pan or ratcheting anything down ??


Josh

 

Why are you using the sleeve on the crankshaft? Did you accidently scratch the crank while removing the seal the first time? If so I would imagine that is causing your problem, the damaged area of the crankshaft quickly damages the new seal causing it to leak. As far as the sleeve goes I don't think they work very well myself. IMO you are better off trying to smooth out the damage on the crank if that is in fact what happened.

 

God I wish all I had to do was drop the pan, but no the rear main seal is on accessible from the bellhousing, meaning you have to drop the tranny and unbolt the flywheel/clutch/etc. So the only thing that I could possibly be overtorquing would be the flywheel bolts and I am 100% positive Im not. And about the sleeve, I believe the crankshaft is slightly scored and has a few very small bumps on it, however the outer metal part around the outer part of the seal has several scrapes in it. Is there a good way to seal that part?

 

You could try some RTV type sealant around the outer edge of the seal on the block itself, but I don't think scratches in that area would cause a leak as severe as what you describe. If there are any significant gouges/scratches on the crank itself, they will quickly damage the seal when the engine is running and cause a major leak as you describe.

 

Ok, thanks for your help. So now this time I wll be using a good Redi-sleeve for the crankshaft, a Toyota seal, and some black RTV around the outer edge. Sounds good? Any more advice you could offer

 

The Toyota seal and the rtv around the edge sound good, kind of concerned about the sleeve though. I would examine the crank thoroughly next time you have evereything apart. If you have a small nick you may be able to take a piece of emory cloth and sand the scratched area out. I've never seen much in the way of good results with those sleeves. My .02

 

I don't trust anything besides toyota parts. I had to replace the seal 3 times because of the NAPA seal. Finally bought the toyota seal and it fixed the problem. Also you need to get a flat head screw driver, go around the seal and make sure everything flush. Then slightly tap it in. Now is the good time to remove the aluminum to reseal it too. Use toyota FIPG(the black stuff). Good luck.
JPI

 

Sorry, I should have asked if you had seated the seal all the way, that could be the problem.

 

Clean the area and check the crank. I would def try a Toyota seal also.

 

Alright, Ill be getting some FIPG for this definitely. And when you say make sure evrything is flush...then tap in it in a little, how much is a little? Also, JPI how do you feel about those sleeves?

 

Just don't break the seal . Make sure the ring from inside isn't damage or pop out. If you need further help give us a ring 214-221-3135. Use only TOYOTA FIPG IF YOU NEED TO RESEAL THE PLATE.
JPI