Rear Mains Bearing Cap Removal

Looked around for info on this to no avail.

Can i remove the rear (Num5) main bearing cap with the engine in situ without removing or pushing the gearbox back?

I have swapped mains and big ends on the entire engine except this cap and it looks like it may not come off without much faffing around. Any help really appreciated if anyone has actually done this.

From memory it is stuck with sealer to the rear oil seal

Sorted. It does come out in situ. I used a longer bolt in the hole where the sump bolts to it and used that to wiggle it down. I can 100% say you can change all the bearings, both big end and mains with the engine in situ. I know its better out on an engine stand but that isn't always possible or practical and for a field repair it worked a treat

craigmidlands said:

Sorted. It does come out in situ. I used a longer bolt in the hole where the sump bolts to it and used that to wiggle it down. I can 100% say you can change all the bearings, both big end and mains with the engine in situ. I know its better out on an engine stand but that isn't always possible or practical and for a field repair it worked a treat

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Did you have to replace the seal on the 5th one mate? I think they are called T seals?
Was it difficult, I'm finding the workshop manual confusing.

Alot of people ( myself included) use sealant in place of the rubber t seals. Remove the carrier, thoroughly degrease the carrier, especially the slots that the t seals would go in, and the block using brake cleaner. Fit the carrier and then inject rtv sealant into the slot until you see it squeeze out the other end. Early days on mine but seems OK so far.
I did mine on an engine stand but see no reason why it can't be done in situ with some care and patience.
I struggled like hell with the t seals on my old 2.25 petrol but I believe there is a tool to make insertion easier but still difficult.

Seals down either side were ok. Used the threaded hole in cap to put a bolt in and lever it off. All in all, not too difficult a job to do.