Rear main seal retainer ???

[qship96]

I changed my rear main seal about 2 years ago or so, only part I replaced was the seal itself { a $5-10 item if I recall correctly} zero issues since,and probably 40-50.000 miles of usage since then.If memory serves,the seal retainer is a stamped surround that is secured to block with RTV.......no need to touch it while replacing main seal,and easy to tell if it needs resealing with RTV once you get in there {look for oil stains/seepage around perimeter of retainer-I had none at well over 200,000 miles

[3Q Jay]

seal p/n is 12279-AD205 (long supersession chain, but that is latest i show).
retainer is p/n 12297-60u00 (unchanged since 1989) agree retainer should only need reseal unless damaged.