Is my engine block toast?!?!

[KMAPRO]

Just to catch anyone up who hasn't seen my other posts referencing my 87 MJ...

 

4.0 - 5 spd. 4x4..Replacing rear main seal because I have renamed the truck Exxon Valdez. Had to pull the engine to change the rear main seal because the oil pan was stuck to the bottom of the block. I pulled the engine, transmission and t-case all at once. I finally got the oil pan off by taking a 5-in-1 and gently working it around and around the oil pan. Then took a 3/4" wide chisel and gently worked the remaining gasket off - took about an hour and a half. I have also removed the rear main beaing cap.

 

Here is why I am asking if the block is fubarred...I was checking everything out and planning the procedure for removing the upper rear main seal when I noticed that the little steel lip, between the seal and the back of the block, has the corner broken off. Since I have announced, in the past, that I am not a mechanic and just learing as I go, is this part of the upper bearing or is this part of the block?

 

I am assuming - and hoping - it is part of the bearing.

 

Is this critical? Should I replace the upper bearing or will it be OK? It only looks to be the corner of the keeper.

[jimoshel]

A pic would really be a great help.

[xjrev10]

A pic would really be a great help.

change the seal and run it

 

haha yea post a pic :chillin:

[Geonovast]

If what you're talking about is what I think you're talking about, then no, it's not part of the bearing. Again, a picture would just be fantastic, and you might be ok... depending on the size of the chip and whether or not it's starting a crack.

[carnuck]

:redX: