Rear Main Seal Tool (Page 1/1)
enicho1 DEC 14, 10:53 AM
I have a 1988 with the 2.5 engine and even though the car only has 19k original miles, it’s leaking some oil.
I haven’t got too far into the actual cause of the oil leak, but i strongly suspect the rear main seal.
I don’t really drive the car much, but looking to see where the oil is coming from … again, I think it’s the rear main seal.

Anyway, I have the 1988 GM service manual, and it references the Kent-Moore seal installation tool J34924-A .

My question is I looked on eBay, and found a J34924 for much less than the J34924-A.

The photos on the eBay listings show both took part numbers are for a 2.5 engine, but is there a difference in the
J34924-A
Vs
J34924
Without the -A ?


They look the same, but the -A install tools are about $40 to $50 more than the tool without the -A on the tool part number.


Anyone know if there is a difference?

Thanks

Spadesluck DEC 14, 11:18 AM
Personally, I have never used an install tool for a rear main. Could it make life easier, sure, but not for the cost that thy normally go for. Instead, you can find a socket or piece of PVC pipe that is close to the size and just use it to install.
reinhart DEC 23, 07:21 AM

quote
Originally posted by Spadesluck:

Personally, I have never used an install tool for a rear main. Could it make life easier, sure, but not for the cost that thy normally go for. Instead, you can find a socket or piece of PVC pipe that is close to the size and just use it to install.



Or buy the tool on egay, use it and then sell it again on egay. Should be able to get close to same price and would just be out the shipping and sales tax.
theogre DEC 23, 10:31 AM
KM/GM tools is a "press" to push on the seal. -A likely some kind of Update to make easier etc. You're likely only going to use 1 time so don't spend a lot.
If done w/o it, can easily bend it or worse hit the crank.


quote
Originally posted by Spadesluck:
Personally, I have never used an install tool for a rear main. Could it make life easier, sure, but not for the cost that thy normally go for. Instead, you can find a socket or piece of PVC pipe that is close to the size and just use it to install.

Plastic Pipe &or their fittings ok... I use them on many other seals & wheel bearing caps.
A socket to fix rear seal is unlikely. > 1 inch is hard to find in home & many pro work shops. Buying big ones often cost a lot unless get lucky @ flea markets etc.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Vintage-Nut DEC 23, 11:12 AM
Hey enicho1,

Finding the real difference between them might be harder than you think.

If you're a 'special tool' guy; just follow the GM service manual and purchase J34924-A

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Most members won't buy special tools in the factory service manual and the main reason is the cost for a one-time job.

In my experience, spending money for some 'special tools' often makes the job easier and faster without an irritating 'struggle'....

However, you need to outweigh the cost and the difficulty.

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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 12-23-2023).]