Possible to pull front crank seal with removing timing cover?

So I rebuilt the engine and on a stand. Replaced timing chain cover, cover seal, crank seal, oil pump etc. Ran fine with no leaks but after a few months the front seal is leaking. I don't want to pull the cover off, mess with distributor, etc. So, is there a way to remove the front seal without pulling the timing cover? Any of you done this? Thanks.

 

Yes, if it is the TA cover. I recall an OEM cover only allow seals to be inserted from inside of the cover.

 

Hum... that's a good question. I know it was an aftermarket cover, but it wasn't TA. I think I drove in the new one in from the front, but I would have to crawl under there to see for sure since my memory is a bit foggy. If it did go in from the front, what is the easiest way to get it out? Drill holes/insert screws and pry out?

 

Is it possible the harmonic Balancer is worn where it enters the new front seal? Usually they develop a grove over the years and its hard to make them reseal with just replacing the front seal. I believe they sell a quick fix sleeve that slides over the surface on the balancer and you leave the front seal alone. That's the way it was back in the 60s I remember. If this is the case try summit racing for the sleeve?!?

 

Use a seal puller. Just locate the seal number and info first before damaging your info(etched on surface) to be destroyed. Will make part replacement easier where you aren't sure of manufacturer. Tool works great.

 

This is "Small Block Tech" so I'm guessing the seal installs from inside, as, T/A doesn't make the SBB cover that they sell.

 

Is this a neoprene seal or the factory rope seal?

 

Neoprene seal, new crankshaft, new timing cover. Not sure why it leaks.

 

Not on a factory cover. Inside install only because of the shoulder.

Even using a non flange seal, it's still not an outside install. Maybe aftermarket covers differ.

 

Check out this page from Summit Racing https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tmk-kwk99176

Jim

 

So I found the old OEM timing cover in my junk pile. Yeah, the seal goes into the cover from the back side. I think I bought the new one from TPP but can't remember for sure. Guess I'll have to crawl under and look. Otherwise, I'll have to take the whole front end apart again.

 

Maybe try swapping just the balancer first.

 

I had the balancer rebuilt (by Damper Doctor) with the overhaul.

 

I went out and snapped some pics of my TA cover, yes it installs from the front.
Also took a pic of an older aftermarket cover I have ('bout 10 years old) it installs from the front.

 

So you have to use a no flanged seal for that front install.
You could probably press it in slightly less or more and get to a new ungrooved spot on the balancer too.

 

Sleeve balancer if it's grooved:
Check out this page from Summit Racing https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tmk-kwk99176

Then press in new seal. .....Jim

 

Thanks guys.

 

I've done that with rear axle seals that had grooved axles. With axle seals, you need to use the ones without the flange and use a belt sander to remove 1/8" from the seal.

 

Maybe a stupid question but here goes. If the original seal is installed from the back, wouldn't installing the new one from the front mean the cover would still have to be pulled to get the old one out?

 

Original style cover seal is installed from the back side.
New style cover/aftermarket is generally installed from the front side, making seal repairs/replacement much easier and quicker