E36 M3 rear main seal replacement.. Do I need to replace the oil pan gasket as well?

[type4]

Just wondering if anyone has any input from experience on replacing the real mail seal. Here is my dilemma, I'm upgrading to a 6MT transmission and I have the everything out. My RMS is not leaking and hasn't been replaced that I know of in its life (180k). Do I replace the RMS for 'preventive maintenance', or am I opening a can of worms to cause a leak where the RMS housing and oil pan meet? what are the chances that I cause a leak by replacing? is there a procedure to follow when replacing the RMS other than do the oil pan gasket as well?

[Eric93se]

Short answer is no. But do watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FJt07zA-2I

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Someone should scan the front/rear seal driver so that people can 3D print them.

[Eric93se]

We should really have a 3D Sticky for tools just like these. Too bad the wheel bearing tools need to be pretty tough and most of us don 't have access to metal 3D printers. Hmm i wonder if they could be plastic.

[spyderg0d]

Seal driver? You mean a pick to pull it out?, or the little rubber hammer to tap it in?

[type4]

Thank you for the reply, but based on the video how do you prevent oil leakage where the bottom of the RMS housing meets the top of the oil pan gasket?

[bluptgm3]

Thank you for the reply, but based on the video how do you prevent oil leakage where the bottom of the RMS housing meets the top of the oil pan gasket?

I believe the oil pan gasket is there.
LOL!!! Not sure how the rear cover goes back on and does not damage that gasket....


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[shogun]

Moved to E36 M3 forum

[blckstrm]

Thank you for the reply, but based on the video how do you prevent oil leakage where the bottom of the RMS housing meets the top of the oil pan gasket?

Either Bentley or some other source I referenced said to put a dab of sealant at the corners, kind of like how you're supposed to do on the valve cover gasket half-moons at the back.

But you're right. After I did it I had a tiny bit of oil dripping, and had to overtorque those last couple of oil pan bolts just a little. . But that did work... No leak going on three years.

[TostitoBandito]

If I'm thinking of the same place, yeah RTV sealant is your answer. I know when I did my pan I used a little RTV in certain places (sorta like the valve cover) to ensure I had a good seal. I probably read about doing that in my Bentley manual.

[bluptgm3]

If I'm thinking of the same place, yeah RTV sealant is your answer. I know when I did my pan I used a little RTV in certain places (sorta like the valve cover) to ensure I had a good seal. I probably read about doing that in my Bentley manual.

You really should use Permatex Form-A-Gasket No. 2 Sealant or similar product.


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[TostitoBandito]

I used this black permatex stuff, I think.

https://smile.amazon.com/Permatex-82180-Maximum-Resistance-Silicone/dp/B0002UEN1U

Seems to work fine. It tolerates oil and high temperatures and I haven't had any leaks. I've used it on my diff, valve cover, and oil pan over the years.