Crank Seal Replacement

[8111870]

Hi, ive got a leaky crank seal on my 98 SOHC its not leaking much, just one or two drops a day, but enough to mess up my driveway.
any tips on removal? i have a Chiltons and it seems pretty straight forward.
any insight is appreciated
thanks!

 

[ranger7ltr]

I have 2 suggestions and you will not like either one...

You can either pull the engine out of the truck and replace the rear crank seal...Or you can pull the tranny and the flexplate/flywheel with the engine in place and remove/replace the rear crank seal that way...

I believe member 2000streetrod did a detailed crank seal replacement write-up with the engine out...He already had it out replacing the timing chain guides and tensioners...

And as a 3rd alternative some would recommend using a stop leak product in the oil...I wouldn't use something like that so I won't recommend it but it is on the market...

 

[8111870]

You can either pull the engine out of the truck and replace the rear crank seal...Or you can pull the tranny and the flexplate/flywheel with the engine in place and remove/replace the rear crank seal that way...

I believe member 2000streetrod did a detailed crank seal replacement write-up with the engine out...He already had it out replacing the timing chain guides and tensioners...

And as a 3rd alternative some would recommend using a stop leak product in the oil...I wouldn't use something like that so I won't recommend it but it is on the market...

thanks for the reply, but its the front seal i need to change.
as far as i can tell its remove fan, shroud, pulley and seal.
seems easy enough. thats what worries me. it seems too easy.
anything im missing?
thanks

 

[eagles350]

I did my seal when I had the timing cover off. the manual says to use a special tool but I just bought the cheap seal ( $ 7.00 compared to $ 35.00 ) & marked where the old seal stopped & installed the new one to the same depth.

 

[imp]

I did my seal when I had the timing cover off. the manual says to use a special tool but I just bought the cheap seal ( $ 7.00 compared to $ 35.00 ) & marked where the old seal stopped & installed the new one to the same depth.

In my day, the front crank seal entered the front cover from the engine side, so the cover had to be removed to replace the seal. Is that not the case on the SOHC today? imp

 

[ranger7ltr]

Doh!!!

thanks for the reply, but its the front seal i need to change.
as far as i can tell its remove fan, shroud, pulley and seal.
seems easy enough. thats what worries me. it seems too easy.
anything im missing?
thanks

The front crank seal is that easy... Remove the fan, radiator and hoses, balancer, front mounting brackets for alternator, a/c compressor and p/s pump, front section of the upper oil pan bolts, front cover and remove and replace the seal...The water pump can even stay attached...

Just like others have said... Sorry I assumed you meant the rear crank seal...

 

[8111870]

so the timing cover has to come off?
i thought it went through the cover.
thanks all.