3D Printed Rear Main Seal Installation Tool

[hurky4]

Just replaced the engine in my 07' ranger 4.0l. Replaced all timing components and all kinds of things. I was a complete idiot and removed the metal sleeve from my rear main seal thinking it was only to protect the seal during shipment (honestly don't know what I was thinking lol). Long story short, I've got a bad rear main seal leak now and I'm pissed.

I don't want to buy a tool I'm going to use once (let's hope it's only once), so I'm thinking I could 3d print the tool. Now before you yell at me that 3d printing it is a stupid idea, let me say that the 3d printer I have access to at work prints really durable and tough plastic. From the videos I've watched I really think it would be strong enough to install this seal. I may be wrong but I figured why not try? In order to do this though I need to know the dimensions of the tool! I could always buy one, measure it, then return it. However I figured someone on here has the tool and could dimension it (the two main parts) so that I can draw them up in my CAD software and get them printed. Can someone help me out with this?

 

[Eddo Rogue]

You might get lucky and find a file already exists. Our mill guy at work finds and purchases online all kinds of cad files for the CNC machine.

 

[tinman_72]

I bought one of these (not sure if size of the one in the link is the right size) a long time ago and have used it to install rear main seals in several different Ford engines.

 

[TheRaptor]

Just replaced the engine in my 07' ranger 4.0l. Replaced all timing components and all kinds of things. I was a complete idiot and removed the metal sleeve from my rear main seal thinking it was only to protect the seal during shipment (honestly don't know what I was thinking lol). Long story short, I've got a bad rear main seal leak now and I'm pissed.

I don't want to buy a tool I'm going to use once (let's hope it's only once), so I'm thinking I could 3d print the tool. Now before you yell at me that 3d printing it is a stupid idea, let me say that the 3d printer names here. I have access to at work prints really durable and tough plastic. From the videos I've watched I really think it would be strong enough to install this seal. I may be wrong but I figured why not try? In order to do this though I need to know the dimensions of the tool! I could always buy one, measure it, then return it. However I figured someone on here has the tool and could dimension it (the two main parts) so that I can draw them up in my CAD software and get them printed. Can someone help me out with this?

Sleeve will not stick out as it should after you've installed it fully on the shaft. What's the other component that you need, an installer or just an extra protector for the seal? I've installed front seal sleeves but not rearones, though I'm certain it won't be noticeable too much, if at all.

 

[bobbywalter]

I would just install it ....they sell a complete kit.

Or under drive or over drive a standard seal