Not sure rear main seal is totally flush

[antiextreme]

I've removed the old rear main out of my L18 and inserted the new one.  I did what I could by hand and then worked it with a block of wood and a hammer.  I was able to get it to a point where it doesn't feel like it wants to go any further but it is not sitting totally flush with the block.  I mean it is microscopically sticking out, maybe a millimeter.  I'm afraid of damaging the seal if I try to hammer on it any more but I'm not positive that it has gone in all the way.  I don't imagine it has bottomed out.  Could that be possible?  Any advice?

[Doctor510]

I've removed the old rear main out of my L18 and inserted the new one.  I did what I could by hand and then worked it with a block of wood and a hammer.  I was able to get it to a point where it doesn't feel like it wants to go any further but it is not sitting totally flush with the block.  I mean it is microscopically sticking out, maybe a millimeter.  I'm afraid of damaging the seal if I try to hammer on it any more but I'm not positive that it has gone in all the way.  I don't imagine it has bottomed out.  Could that be possible?  Any advice?

No worries!

[Draker]

It's probably fine. Use the old seal, place over new seal. Tap on it.. and see if it seats better.

[antiextreme]

Did that too. Didn't seem to budge

[kelowg]

Pics?

[MikeRL411]

"Old world info"  don't put the rear seal flush with the block and pan!  Leave a slight offset, use Permatex on the mating surfaces and bolt up.  The offset prevents bypass leakage due to the interupting flanges of the rear main seal.