[gbhrps]

icesurfer,

Just the fact that you are asking these questions about which specialty tools are required leads me to believe that you are likely rebuilding your first engine. If this is the case, you are in over your head and will most likely not be entirely successful, and will find that you've spent a lot of money to be back at the same place you are now .... looking for a replacement engine.

If that's not the case, and you have an experienced engine builder looking over your shoulder while you do the work, then that makes a lot more sense.

I would suggest that you should really be looking at just replacing your engine with a known good one that can be verified as such. You would most likely save yourself a lot of grief and money in the long run. I apologize if you are offended by my comments here, but your post above comes across as someone trying to tackle a job that they are not qualified for. Good Luck, which ever way you choose to go.

 

[gbhrps]

I'll jump back in on seal installers. Within the last year I did seal replacements on the twin cams and crank shaft on my 1990 300zx, while doing a timing belt change. Instead of the required installers I found short sections of plastic pipe from the plumbing and electrical sections of Home Depot that fit the seals' diameters perfectly. Putting the seals in was a snap using them. I just had to ensure that I struck the pipe ends squarely to seat each one.

When you purchase the seals, take them with you when you search out the pipe diameters you'll need.

And now that we've all read how and why you're tackling the job for the first time ever .... good for you, dad! It makes a great deal of sense, and the both of you will learn a lot about engines ... and each other. I wish my dad had taken the time to do the same with me when I was growing up.

Good Luck with your project!!! I hope it goes well.