1984 190d 2.2 rear main seal leaking ,is it a DIY?

[chasinthesun]

Looks like Im in for this notorious job or stuck leaving puddles every were I go .Should I pull the motor with trannie out then just service the seal then replace ,or drop the trannie down and get at it from underneath? For the time being does anyone recommend using a motor no leak additive to the oil.

[sixto]

You can do it either way, or a third way by pulling the engine and leaving the tranny. Think about what else you can/should do when you're going in that deep.

Sixto
87 300D

[jt20]

The backyard option would be to remove the starter and make a tool that allows you to push the seal further in to the crankcase by 3mm.

[sixto]

Doesn't the metal frame of the seal bottom on the seal carrier during installation?

Sixto
87 300D

[jt20]

I could certainly be wrong, but I do not recall a lip on the seal. I remember having to set it square with a driver.

It was a while ago.

[04 Diesel]

Here is a couple of pictures, there is room to push it back but if you go through all that trouble, I would put a new one in there. Just push it back farther so it does not ride on the groove.

[engatwork]

Another option is to drop the tranny out of the way and replace it. Replace the front seal in the tranny while you are there.

[barry123400]

Take a mirror and check above the bellhousing just in case there is a higher leak running down . You may have already or it is never a factor with that block. For the time it takes I would do it.