Rear Crank Seal Leak

[britcars]

I have a serious leak at the rear main seal (old rope type) in my 3.5 Rover that I have to look at very soon.  Any tricks for removal and replacement?  There is a tool available to remove the old seal.  Can a new neoprene seal be installed without removing he crank?
Thanks!!

[minorv8]

I doubt that you can get the rope type seal out with the crank in situ. Depends on whow tight it sits in the groove of the block. Two piece neoprene seal can in theory be fitted with crank in block but how easily it is damaged during installation ? One piece neoprene seal will not fit without machining. All these based on ancient memories of 1974 vintage block.

[roverman]

Back in the day, I would rough counterbore the rear main cap,(two at a time, on a lathe). I would then install the roughed cap, and finish machining the block/cap, to receive a TR8+ seal. Never look back.  Good luck, roverman.