Item 7: Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Retainer Plate Installation Note
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Apply a 4 mm (0.16 in) bead of silicone gasket and sealant around the rear oil seal retainer plate sealing surface.
CAUTION:
Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes, power abrasive discs, or other abrasive means to clean the sealing surfaces. These tools cause scratches and gouges which make leak paths. Use a plastic scraping tool to remove all traces of old sealant.
NOTE:
If the rear crankshaft seal retaining plate is not secured within four minutes, the sealant must be removed and the sealing area cleaned with metal surface cleaner. Allow to dry until there is no sign of wetness, or four minutes, whichever is longer. Failure to follow this procedure can cause future oil leaks.
NOTE:
The silicone must be applied on the groove along the retainer plate.