What is the rubber seal in crankshaft?

[dale88]

I just pulled the harmonic balancer off to replace it and there is a rubber seal stuck in the camshaft "tube" about a half inch in. Is this seal supposed to be at the back end of the camshft "tube" before you install the new pulley? It appears to be preventing the new pulley from seating. Is a special tool required to remove/install the seal or is there a homemade alternative? Also, are there any special tricks to get the new pulley back on? The installer I rented is not long enough to reach the crank threads through the pulley bolt hole.

2004 Ford Explorer XLT

 

[EXPLORER04]

that is the crankshaft seal you are seeing. Below is what is printed in the service manual for replacement. Hope it helps.



To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Item 1: Crankshaft Pulley Bolt Removal Note

Remove the bolts and position the power steering cooler aside.

CAUTION: This bolt is torque-to-yield and cannot be reused.

Using the special tool to hold the crankshaft pulley, remove and discard the damper bolt.

Item 2: Crankshaft Pulley Removal Note

Using the special tools and two 8 mm (0.31 in) x 1.25 x 100 mm bolts, remove the crankshaft pulley.

Item 3: Front Crankshaft Seal Removal Note

Using the special tool, remove the crankshaft front seal.

Item 3: Front Crankshaft Seal Installation Note

Using the special tool, install the crankshaft front seal.

Item 2: Crankshaft Pulley Installation Note

Using the special tool, install the crankshaft pulley.

Item 1: Crankshaft Pulley Bolt Installation Note

Using the special tool to hold the crankshaft pulley, tighten the bolt in two stages:
Stage 1: Tighten the bolt to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
Stage 2: Tighten the bolt an additional 85 degrees.

 

[2000StreetRod]

special tool

Thanks EXPLORER04 for posting how to loosen the harmonic balancer bolt. Since I don't have the special tool I guess I'll have to improvise.

 

[dale88]

I just used a breaker bar to remove the pulley bolt. Lay the breaker bar on the frame near the driver side wheel well(may have to remove underside cover), then unhook the wiring harness to the coil. Give the starter a crank and the bolt will loosen. The hard part is finsing a puller that has long enough bolts to remove the pulley.

 

[2000StreetRod]

using starter

Clever idea of using the starter and flex plate to loosen the bolt but I'm not keen on placing that much stress on the starter/flex plate teeth. Also, I'm in the process of stripping my engine to pull for timing chain repairs. I'd have to reinstall/reconnect the battery and disable the fuel system to crank the engine. However, I may do that if I can't come up with an alternative.

I have some short 8mm x 1.25 bolts but couldn't get them to start in the pulley. I wonder if my 2000 has a different thread. I sprayed the pulley threads with WD40. I'll try again after it soaks for a few hours.

 

[dale88]

Can I reuse the seal? Can I use a cylinder to just tap it back into place?

 

[EXPLORER04]

Can I reuse the seal? Can I use a cylinder to just tap it back into place?

You dont need the special tool to pull the seal. Any seal puller should work the book also says you can use a screwdriver with the tip wrapped in tape. You also need to use a new bolt to mount the balancer. To reseat the seal, use a socket or pipe slightly smaller in diameter than the seal.

 

[dale88]

How far do you push the seal in? Until it stops...or does the new pulley push it back in place when you tighten it down? I have a water heater socket wrench that fits in the shaft perfectly. I could not find an installer that will work with this pulley. Hopefully I can find a longer bolt that maybe I can use a washer and nut to tighten it down. It boggles my mind that there are no tools you can buy at the part store to do this procedure...none of the generic pullers/installers work.

 

[EXPLORER04]

the seal will only go in so far. There is a lip behind there that will prevent it from going to far.

 

[dale88]

I was able to get the seal in with a hot water heater socket...worked quite well. The seal seems to be floating around though. It looks like the shaft widens out at the back, allowing the seal to move around. Is this correct? It looks like the pulley snout will not line up with the seal if it is "floating" around back there. Problem #2 is getting the new pulley on. It will not go on further than a half inch. I tried heating it and lubing with motor oil...did not help.