Front crankshaft seal

[georgem]

My fairly recently reconditioned engine is "bleeding" fairly badly from the front crankshaft seal - I guess the seal is knackered.
Any thoughts on what would cause this and can it be replaced without taking the engine out?


Cheers

[ja17]

Hello George,

A familiar topic.  Try starting off with this post.............

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=12048.msg81183#msg81183

Yes, installation of the front seal can be done with the engine in place. Not a fun job, especially if you have factory AC.

Keep us up to date.

[ja17]

Sometimes the lips of the seal do not slip onto the spacer ring during installation of the seal and the seal is damaged during assembly of the dampner.

Be sure to check that the lips of the seal are on the spacer ring before installing the dampner.

Use sealer between the new spacer ring and the crankshaft. The current list price on the spacer ring at the dealer is $52.00 US.

Sometimes the spacer ring justs pulls off.  Other times a special puller is needed.

[Benz Dr.]

I've seen where the garder or spring will pop off during assembly and then there won't be enough tension on the seal. In this case the seal can be used again as long as it's not damaged or worn.

[stickandrudderman]

You should also check that your oil is not contaminated with fuel as this is a common cause of seal failure.

[georgem]

Thank you all for your comments - my first action will be to have a chat with the engine reconditioner - who is a reasonable sort of guy ( even though he is a Kiwi!!!) I just wanted to understand what was a possibility. The link was great Joe, esp the info re the e hidden bolt. On second thought, I think I shall clean all the oil off and try and nail exactly where the oil is coming from then off to the reconditioner.
Cheers