LS1T56FTW

iTrader: (3)

Hi Guys,

Finally got my build together to find that my front main seal leaks.

Anyway, I was wondering if I can replace it without taking the front cover off. Since it is a clearance on the crank, I don't see why I can't pull the old one out, and press the new one in. Anyone with experience please help!

Thanks.

Undertow74

iTrader: (45)

im sure you can do it, its just going to be so much eaiser with the front cover off because you will be able to lay it down flat and press the new seal in. if you try to do it vertical in that small space might not seat right. if you already have the belts and crank pulley off, just take the few waterpump bolts off and then unbolt the cover.......to me it would be worth it to do it right and spend the extra 10 minutes to take the other bolts out than cut the corners to find out you have to pull them anyways....

LS1T56FTW

iTrader: (3)

I was hoping to just take the crank pulley off and replace the seal. I would rather not replace/disrupt the front cover gasket/oil pan gasket/water pump gaskets. I probably could get the seal in flush as long as I tapped it in with a flat piece of wood or something, but you do bring up a good point.

Russ K

iTrader: (1)

No need to remove the timing cover, just put a light film of oil on the OD of the new seal. Then it will easily push in with your fingers, then tap it in in flush with a wide punch or small block of wood.

Russ Kemp

LS1T56FTW

iTrader: (3)

Thanks Russ, sounds like a good idea to me! Are you related to a Chris Kemp by any chance?

crainholio

iTrader: (2)

Been there done that, a plain seal removal tool such as this will do the trick for safely getting the old seal out after the balancer is removed:

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...235_0117880229

I used a very thin film of Permatex Aviation Gasket Sealant on the outer circumference of the new seal, but the manual calls for motor oil.

Be sure to get the crank balancer surface perfectly clean, no oil on the sealing surface at all.

LS1T56FTW

iTrader: (3)

Doesn't the seal lip ride on the pulley surface? No doubt I will make sure both are spotless (as I did last time too) but the leak is between the balancer and the seal lip.

Russ K

iTrader: (1)

No, I'm not. Where is he from?

Russ Kemp

crainholio

iTrader: (2)

Yup, I went back and clarified on my post.

Also check the alignment of the timing cover by inspecting fitment of the seal's outer dust cover against the balancer...if there's a gap on one side it's a good indicator that the timing cover is not aligned properly.

LS1T56FTW

iTrader: (3)

Russ, originally I am not sure but at the time when I used to talk to him he was in Michigan, but I am also pretty sure that is not where his hometown is/was.

Also, I am 99.9% sure that front cover is on dead nuts. I put the oil pan on with the front somewhat simultaneously so that neither would pull one a certain way - they would go down flush.

Keep the advice comin though!