Front crank seal replacement

[saildrive2001]

With my engine out to replace the clutch release bearing I find that the front crank seal has been leaking. Has anyone replaced this seal in situ without having to remove the front cover? Information on how you did it would be appreciated.

[Hawksfield]

Hi
Straight forward, remove the crank pully, remove the seal (hook out) tap in squarely the new seal.
You can apply a little sealant but they are usually ok without.
The down side is they usually leak again if the front cover is misaligned.

Good luck

[saildrive2001]

What did you use as a hook?

[nmauduit]

What did you use as a hook?

one trick that can be used, esp. in situ, is to drill *carefully* a (pair of) small hole(s) into the metallic structure of the seal (close to but not touching the outside diameter), then screwing in a suitable fastener (if need be after grinding off the pointy tip), then using leverage to pull the seal from these handles.

[saildrive2001]

I think that now the engine is out that I will go through the long process of taking the front cover off. Does anyone have the dimensions for the seal alignment tool that is suggested you use to centre the housing?

[2cams70]

Yep. Send me a PM if you wish. Note the front cover is not something to remove "just for fun" if there's no imperative to do so (eg. water pump replacement, etc.) I'd suggest leave it alone. Even if you set the front cover so i'ts perfectly aligned it's unlikely to remain so over time because it's not well designed and doesn't have dowels for positive location.

When you fit the seal be sure to lubricate and pack the area between the inner and outer lips with some lithium based grease. You can lever it out easily with a large broad flat screwdriver. No need to drill holes in it. In fact I wouldn't do that do to risk of damaging the cover. No need for sealant on the OD.

[saildrive2001]

I am having a problem sending a PM so can you send me one to start the conversation 2cams70?

[2cams70]

PM sent