2000 XLT V8-AWD crankshaft oil seal replacement

[RaistliN]

Hi guys,

Been browsing & searching the forums for some answers to my questions but it seems my searching skills aren't very sharp tonight, lol

I have been talking to one of my mechanics at work (Non-Ford dealership unfortunatelly), as I noticed there was some oil that started dripping underneath my X. At first I was thinking it was due to the fact that the last oil change was done a little sloppy and some left over oil may have just dripped on my pavement and never noticed it before, but here we are over a month later, and still dripping. By what I can see, it seems to be either dripping from the crankshaft oilseal, or the oilpan in front of the engine. I figured may as well get both of them done while at it, however my mechanic told me something that will be giving me a wallet nightmare: it is actually impossible to change the crankshaft oilseal in front of the engine WITHOUT taking the whole engine out of the X? I can understand he has to drop the front differential to get to the oilpan due to clearance issues, that is ok, but taking the whole engine out of the truck for the oilseal seems a little ludicrous IMO..

Can anyone confirm or point me to the proper thread so I can get myself informed on the case, perhaps I'll learn a couple things including how to do it myself, I am just not ready to pay my guy a day and a half worth of labour.. Yes I do get a discounted price off labour, but it's still too much if it's something I can do myself..

Any help very much appreciated!

Thanks!

Pierre-Luc

 

[RaistliN]

Anyone?

Is it possible to change the crankshaft oilseal in front of the engine without taking the whole engine out of the body?

 

[99SportX]

That is ridiculous. You don't have to pull the engine to change the front crank seal. You just have to pull the harmonic balancer and then remove/install the seal. You may have to remove the fan and fan shroud in order to have the necessary clearance to remove the balancer.

When I did my timing cover gasket, I pulled the fan and fan shroud to give me enough room to remove the balancer.

 

[1998Exp]

Easier to install the seal in the timing cover on the bench, without the crankshaft in the way. But if it's not leaking coolant, or needing the timing chain replaced, I'd rather not remove the cover.
It's definitely possible to install the seal with the timing cover in place. As stated, the balancer needs to come off. Then you'll need a decent seal puller and an installer (a piece of pipe of correct diameter may do for the latter).
Before reinstalling the balancer, make sure to seal the key with some black RTV, to prevent oil seepage along the keyway.

That is ridiculous. You don't have to pull the engine to change the front crank seal. You just have to pull the harmonic balancer and then remove/install the seal. You may have to remove the fan and fan shroud in order to have the necessary clearance to remove the balancer.

When I did my timing cover gasket, I pulled the fan and fan shroud to give me enough room to remove the balancer.

 

[RaistliN]

Thanks for the replies guys, that's pretty much the confirmation I was looking for. Considering I don't have the necessary pullers, I will still get my dealership to get the job done, but if that mech insists on taking the engine out, I'll take my baby to another shop, perhaps the one I used to go to before I starting working where I am now

Thanks again! Much appreciated!

P-L