Rear Main Seal - Replacement Has a Gasket?

[denvermaxd]

2000 4Runner SR5 3.4 5-speed manual...

I'm in the middle of a clutch replacement, and had decided to do the rear main while I'm in there.

I ordered a Fel-Pro gasket from Amazon, and it comes with a gasket:

When I removed my rear main today I noticed there is no gasket. My Haynes manual makes no reference to using a gasket, just RTV gasket maker (which I purchased and have on hand).

Question: Should I just discard the gasket? Or is this some improvement on the stock implementation?

 

[nobb]

I used a Victor Reinz rear main seal which came with a paper gasket. I threw away the gasket and just used RTV. RTV seals better against surface imperfections and remains more pliable over time whereas some gaskets get old and crusty. Also with the rear main, you'll have to use RTV on the bottom edge contacting the oil pan anyways.

 

[denvermaxd]

one thing leading to another...

My own research on this revealed a significant number of thread where folks experienced leaks within days of installing non-OEM (several Fel-Pro) gaskets.:fear:

The transmission pull and clutch removal is such a PITA, I have decided to wait for the dealer to open tomorrow and pick up a Toyota OEM rear main seal.

It's just not worth the anxiety and (added) potential for failure when I'm doing it myself.

 

[01thunder]

The main seal retainer doesn't need to come off. Just replace the seal.

 

[nobb]

The main seal retainer doesn't need to come off. Just replace the seal.

It's a large seal and it's easier to get a straight fit if you take the retainer off and press the seal while off the engine. The sealant on the retainer is old and stiff so you might as well replace that while you're in there.

 

[denvermaxd]

It's a large seal and it's easier to get a straight fit if you take the retainer off and press the seal while off the engine. The sealant on the retainer is old and stiff so you might as well replace that while you're in there.

Yeah... it's already off.

The RTV I have is Permatex Gear Oil RTV Gasket Maker. Is this appropriate to this application? Or should I use something else?

 

[nobb]

No, that's for differentials. You should be using the black one...Permatex Ultra.

 

[denvermaxd]

No, that's for differentials. You should be using the black one...Permatex Ultra.

:thanks:

Probably saved me some trouble. I'll go grab the Ultra.

 

[01thunder]

or the gray. it is similar to the factory one. that is all i use.

 

[RS Dude]

Why not use the best: Toyota FIPG Especially on such a critical area?

 

[fourfive]

I wonder if there's a difference in the Toyota F.I.P.G material because...

pn# 0029500103 comes up as F.I.P.G for oil pan

&

pn# 0029501281 comes up as F.I.P.G for trans pan

 

[jstim]

Going to resurrect this thread since I have some questions and I don't want to start a new one.

When doing the rear main seal it would obviously be a horrible idea to use a paper gasket like that. Now with that said, if you put the FIPG on where it bolts together. Who's to say it's going to line up perfect the first time? Or is there a way to make sure it does so that when the engine and tranny are pressed together that it all lines up just right.

 

[bentos1]

Going to resurrect this thread since I have some questions and I don't want to start a new one.

When doing the rear main seal it would obviously be a horrible idea to use a paper gasket like that. Now with that said, if you put the FIPG on where it bolts together. Who's to say it's going to line up perfect the first time? Or is there a way to make sure it does so that when the engine and tranny are pressed together that it all lines up just right.

Take a look at this pic of a rear main seal, you can see the FIPG around the edges. There is no issues with the transmission and engine mating when doing this job.

I just replaced mine when I installed a new clutch kit and did not replace with a Toyota gasket. Fingers crossed that I dont have any issues. I did not take the retaining plate off. I used a wood screw in the seal and then pulled out the seal, no bolts were disturbed. You can just press in the new seal afterwards. I used a bit of grease on it for an easier install, once again I hope this doesnt cause issues

 

[jstim]

Take a look at this pic of a rear main seal, you can see the FIPG around the edges. There is no issues with the transmission and engine mating when doing this job.

I just replaced mine when I installed a new clutch kit and did not replace with a Toyota gasket. Fingers crossed that I dont have any issues. I did not take the retaining plate off. I used a wood screw in the seal and then pulled out the seal, no bolts were disturbed. You can just press in the new seal afterwards. I used a bit of grease on it for an easier install, once again I hope this doesnt cause issues

The job itself seems pretty easy then. Its just the pulling the entire tranny out just to get to it. That kind of sucks, but I guess you have to do it.

 

[jstim]

Does anyone have the part number for the rear main seal? I want an OEM rear main....and do I need anything other than the rear main seal?

Edit: Here is the OEM Rear main seal part number :90311-A0027