How do you replace the rear main seal? I pulled out the 4 10mm bolts and the 2 10mm nuts that attach to the oil pan. I just can't seem to get it off.

 

use a pry bar or screwdriver but dont scratch where the seal goes, clean the area perfect and use a seal punch to put it back in

 

Do these commonly go out? My 97 civic is losing oil somehow. I don't have smokey exhaust and compression test was good so dont think it's burning it, but it doesn't leak when parked either.

 

check dizzy and hg in that area before pulling the seal
best way is to clean the area spotless and run the car

 

the main seals on honda ebgines always go, mainly because everyone has one with 200,000 km on it
if you have an engine out its a good thing to do unless you know your gonna blow it soon. Plus if your front main seal starts to leak a bit it goes on your timming belt and can cause it to fail prematurely

 

also don`t forgot the new seal has to seat at the same "depth" as the old one or it will leak.
put the old seal on top of the new seal then smake it in evently.

 

nice add in

 

YIKES! that`s a good way to really screw things up.

The HONDA way to remove the seal: turn a small screw into the seal, just deep enough to get a good bite on it. Then pull loose with a pair of pliers.

DON`T use a seal punch to install the new seal. Use a small block of wood and a hammer to EVENLY apply pressure to the seal.

 

I change at least 1 main seal a week at my shop and havent had 1 problem, and i also used to work for honda and did it the same way there aswell as everyone else

 

or you can just use a normal seal puller?



I usually dull up both the edges so it doesnt scratch the crank. I also clean the crankshaft with fine emory cloth, and it doesnt hurt if the seal isnt in the "exact" same spot as it was before, its more important that the seal has a fine layer of grease on the lip and that it is in straight.