Crank shaft seal

[hands_aus]

In May 2008 I had the crankshaft seal replaced.
I supplied a new spacer ring.
Afterwards while talking to the mechanic he said that he couldn't replace the old one because it was a job only done when the engine was being rebuilt.

The mechanic now tells me that the new oil leak is from the crankshaft seal.

In this topic
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=3552.0

JA17 gave this response on 11th June 2005
"Yes the seal ring on the crankshft can also wear. If it has a deep groove worn in it, it may  allow the new seal to leak.
A very special and expensive puller is used to remove this ring. However a little ingenuity may work to remove it. "

Joe,
What is to be done if there is a groove on the crankshaft?
Could a sleeve be bonded to the crankshaft and a new 'non genuine' seal be fitted?
Should a normal MB workshop would have the expensive puller to remove the spacer ring?
Will I have to learn to live with the oil leak until the engine needs a rebuild?

Any advice greatfully accepted.

Thanks

[doitwright]

No need for an expensive tool to remove the ring.  Remember the tool I presented in this link? http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=7282.0

[hands_aus]

Hey Frank,

Yes I had forgotten your post. Thanks for reminding me.
I did a search on crankshaft seal but this post didn't show up.

I can see how the tool is used ...seems like the plastic tube is just the right size to fit between the block and the spacer ring.

Thanks for your response