Recently I replaced the cruciform seals and the rear main seal on my new used block, but I feel a bit uneasy how t turned out. The rear bearing cap isn't flush with the block but sticks out 1mm. On the broken engine I took out today the bracket is absolutely flush with the block. Workshop manual doesn't say anything about that it has to be that way and I thought the bolts will align the cap correctly. In addition the main seal went in too much, it isn't flush with the block either. Should I be concerned and redo the job? The engine is still on the stand and then it is a very easy job, I only waste the new seals I just put in.

 

Any chance the cap is spun 180°? I would think it would be absolutely flush as well, but I can't think of and actual problem it would cause as long as the crucifix seals are in there correctly. As far as the crank seal itself, I wouldn't worry about that. Often times it's advisable to install them at a different depth due to circular wear on the crank by the previous seal. Still might be worth pulling that cap and redoing it while it's easy. Looks like the pan is on too so there's that as a small concern but I'd probably still pull that cap and investigate. Any "before" pics?

 

Did you put a thin coat of silicone on the rear main seal? If so, I would not worry about either.

 

I applied silicon grease on the rear main seal to make in slide in easily and small beads of RTV into the corners as instructed in the workshop manual. I am just wondering if the cap placement has some margin or it gets forced into the right place by the bearing cap bolts, since they have a guide (thicker at the top than at the thread). I am concerned that the bearing doesn't sit properly now.

On the old block I took out yesterday both, the cap and the rear main seal are absolutely flush with the block.