So i've had a mess of a time over the past few days trying to put a new clutch into my 88 240 5 speed wagon. It seems like every aspect of the project is being far more frustrating than it should be (not that the job shouldnt be frustrating.)

anyway, here is my latest problem that has left me stumped for the past few hours. I decided to put a new rear crank case seal in while i was in there. i had a small oil leak from the back - nothing major, but i figured i would do it anyway. perhaps that was a bad call. i got the old seal out without too much trouble (although i did put just enough of a rip in it that i would never use it again). Now, i am having just about an impossible time getting the new seal in.

I saw that some people on here mentioned removing the whole aluminum plate from the back of the block, and setting the seal in when that is off the car. I tried to do that but it looks like there are two pins coming through that aluminum piece. i saw pins, but they actually look more like the ends of bolts coming in from the inside of the block. is this true, or are they merely guide pins?

I think there is a gasket behind this piece, are there any tips to get it to unseat without destroying the gasket?

finally, are there any suggestions as to ways to get the seal in without removing the aluminum piece?

thank you very much for any input.

i love my volvo but its been pushing me pretty hard these past few days.