I am wondering if i can change the 1pc rear main seal on my 385 stroker while it is in the car?

It is rtv'd in the aluminum housing but there are the three notches that you can use to remove the seal and slide it over the crank i believe. Is this what the notches are for?

From the photo you cant really see the notches because of the rtv but they are there.

Also would I benefit from using a fluoroelastomer rear seal instead of the previous silicone one from fel pro.

Thanks for the opinions!

 

Yes, just pop the old seal out with a seal puller or a screwdriver. Tap in the new seal.

 

Drain the oil from the pan first.

Easiest way to remove a one piece seal is to drill a very small hole somewhere around the outside of the seal into the metal area of the seal. Screw in a self tapping screw then pliers/screwdriver to pry on the screw to pull the seal out.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

Alky i did read that online and was thinking id try it if using the notches doesnt work. Maybe I will do that while prying in a notch.

Thanks.

 

use a hammer to tap the screw driver in to the notch slighty and pry it out. its a 5min job once the trans is out. use the only seal as a die to tap the new one in until its flush

 

My '82-'92 Camaro Haynes manual has a nice step by step process on the R & R, they talk about prying the seal out with a screwdriver from those three notches you described.
Hope this helps and you have access to the manual, sorry I couldn't provide the text and pics. I did mine with the engine out during a rebuild.
Roy