How do i change the selector rod seal on a 350 box
Do you know what a Slide Hammer looks like? A long rod with a handle on the end, and a weight that slides on the rod. The weight hits against a stop made into the handle. At the end of the rod you attach various tools. You can attach a hook, or a threaded bolt, or screw, and many other attachments.
The reason I described a Slide Hammer, is that there is a miniaturized version of it, to remove hard to get at seals. At the end of this tool it has two 'fingers'. (Spring steel pieces of hooked flat metal) These fingers are forced through the rubber part of the seal, and the fingers spread out. They catch the metal outer ring of the seal.
Then the weight on this small slide hammer is slid hard against the handle, and after a few taps it withdraws the seal.
This link is to illustrate one companies version of this tool,
http://www.nextag.com/OTC-Tools-OTC1173-Slide-538274577/prices-html
Kind of pricey if a person just wants to use it one or two times! However it is the proper professional way.
There is another method that you may want to consider. Not a professional method, but if done correctly, it can save you in a pinch. (And also save $80 to $100 for the above tool!)
With this method you have to use care not to scratch the selector rod shaft, nor accidentally scratch the bore of the transmission, where the seal goes into.
A sturdy pick tool with a curved hook end is used. You carefully feed the tip of the curved hook, through the rubber portion of the seal. Then you clamp a pair of vise grips onto the pick tool towards the end of the tool. (Opposite end of the curved hook)
Making - Sure the tip of the hook, is resting against the middle of the metal part of the seal, you tap the pair of vise grips with a Small hammer. Tap the vise grips so that they are pulling against the tool, pulling the seal out.
Use the tool to pull out on the seal's metal ring on one side, then slide the tool over to the opposite side, and start tapping again. Keep working around the seal, until you work it out far enough to grab it with pliers, or needle nose vise grips.
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