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GM front crankshaft seal install

R

robinsone

New member
I had a leak at the front crank seal and attempted to replace it. Fairly easy to pull the balancer and get access. Old seal came out with a seal puller. Upon installation I tried using PVC pipe with a diameter that looked like it would fit as close as possible to the metal ring of the seal. I did not grease the outside perimeter of the seal and I'm now thinking I should have. Low and behold I ruined the seal upon install.

I didn't have a large enough socket to match up nicely to the seal, hence the PVC pipe. Is there a better size large socket I should use or other trick to install the seal, I assume greasing the outside perimeter but wanted to see what other DIY tricks I might be missing to make sure I don't damage another seal, thanks.
 


i did a smear of grease on the inside of the cover, then tapped it in with a hammer to get it started, then used a wood handle hammer butt end on the seal and tapped the top with another hammer so i could swing at it in the clear of the wheel well. you need to jump around while tapping it in left side right side, tip bottom over and over till its in squarely and flush.

while the balancer is off check it for a deep groove where the seal rides, if its deep that can be the leak. they sell a repair sleeve for that.

sometimes the seal will break when yo install the balancer too, mine did, its chipped the seal. so take a good look at the seal its self too.

see chips.

003_zpsuyhvepsl.jpg


deep groove

001_zpswkjwyogm.jpg


repair sleeve installed

002_zpszcb5h4xy.jpg
 
Yes I know about the groove and I actually replaced the balancer, found a great price online for one. I will try again and be more careful. The issue is with the GM seal which some recommend over aftermarket doesn't have the outer flange in the picture you inserted. Would it not be advised to apply a very thin layer of grease to the outside perimeter to coax the seal in. Any drawbacks to doing this, I can't imagine it would dislodge slip out at all.
 
no idea on the new style seal. i got a felpro. two times, the first one in the pic chipped. i think it might have been old and dry rotted in the box.
 
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