I installed my main seal and one side popped in too far, I tried to get it out by hand but it was too tight so I stuck a hook in there in the same way I yanked out the old one. I was able to pull it out to the right depth, and there is no noticeable damage done to the seal. I put some vasoline on the hook so it slid in easily (yeah yeah i know...).

Anyways my question is: is it possible that the seal is still OK? I was super careful but would like to hear from anyone what has more experience with these....

 

You'll find out when you do or don't have a leak.
Probably ok if there's no damage since the inner lip is on a spring

 

I can start the car w/o trans to check right... wont hurt it any?

 

Unless it's damaged pretty, I don't know if test running for a short amount of time like that would reveal much since it's not a seal with a lot of pressure behind it.

 

I mean, seals are cheap, I'd want to just replace it for piece of mind. I wouldn't want to take it apart again if I could avoid it. *Edit: or peace of mind, one of those...

 

but OP is a 1.6 owner

 

agreed, more about the week it takes to get here

 

I guess im just going to pull it out and check it... duh obvious solution

 

The part that I'd be worried about is the outer ring not being flawlessly "round" and seating/sealing against the aluminum seat that it goes into. That'd be kinda hard to "check" with your bare eyes, and I think you'll probably do more damage to it pulling it out.

So either replace with brand new or leave it as is.

 

alright you've convinced me.