Author Topic: Front crankshaft seal  (Read 4028 times)

georgem

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Front crankshaft seal
« on: January 23, 2014, 05:57:26 »
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
George McDonald
Brisbane
230 Sl
1973 VW Kombi Single Cab Ute
2022 Volvo XC 40 Pure (100% electric)

ja17

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Re: Front crankshaft seal
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2014, 06:21:51 »
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.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
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1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

ja17

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Re: Front crankshaft seal
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2014, 15:41:11 »
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.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Benz Dr.

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Re: Front crankshaft seal
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2014, 16:19:33 »
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.
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stickandrudderman

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Re: Front crankshaft seal
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2014, 17:33:18 »
You should also check that your oil is not contaminated with fuel as this is a common cause of seal failure.

georgem

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Re: Front crankshaft seal
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2014, 19:28:56 »
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
George McDonald
Brisbane
230 Sl
1973 VW Kombi Single Cab Ute
2022 Volvo XC 40 Pure (100% electric)