Martin - very interesting. I think I'm going at this all wrong.

I don't think my rear main seal is leaking, but the leak most certainly could be around the seal retainer plate. Looking through the two rectangular inspection plugs and through the slots in the flex plate there is no oil under the crank, but the inside of the bell housing is quite wet. I was hoping it was the upper pan leaking at the back seam, but it sure could be the retainer plate leaking. Mine had the upper pan resealed by the dealer in 2009 - is that a clue?


Have you done a rear main seal and plate on one of these before? I've seen reference to a Mercedes tool 111 589 08 43 00 used to install the seal. It is about $500. The book says:

The crankshaft radial sealing ring (2) at the end cover (1), which is fitted at the factory, cannot be exchanged and therefore the end cover must be replaced.
Crankshaft radial sealing ring (2) must not be pushed out when the end cover (1) is fitted.
Installation: First of all install the end cover (1), then install the crankshaft radial sealing ring (2).

I've seen a suggestion to avoid the special tool by first putting the seal in the end cover, and then installing the end cover paying close attention not to damage the seal lips as they ride onto the crankshaft. Would this be your approach? And you said there is a revised seal bracket - do you know what the revision is?

I think I should be pulling the transmission, not the upper pan. It seems likely my leak is at the seal plate.

Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Dan

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2001 e320 wagon
2004 F350
2006 Crown Vic