So while changing out the timing chain on my 3.9, I decided to change out the front crankshaft seal since I was there, and it cam with the gasket kit. I have been trying for over a day now to get the thing in there. Originally, I got it into the case with a hammer and a block of wood. When I got both sides of the timing cover gasket coated with permagasket and went to put it on the engine, it bumped something and the seal came flying back out. With all that permagasket allready starting to set, I had no choice but to finish putting the cover back on without the front seal on there. No what socket, pipe, or other tool I use, the thing just won't go in there evenly. Can someone help me?

 

See if you can rent a seal driver kit from the local neighborhood parts store.

If not, grab yourself a chunk of 2x4, cut two pieces equal length, and a third as a 'cross piece' you can nail the equal length pieces to. (with enough room between for the crank snout.) Use that as a seal driver. Deep well socket works too, but, ya need a big one.....

 

Thanks, the seal drivers they ave around here don't work with the timing cover on. I have some pretty big sockets, but nothing that big. I've been using a large piece of PVC pipe, but one side always gets ahead of the other. I'm on my second seal now, and i'll probably need a third. I've tried being gentle, harsh (watching the crank of course) and everything in between. Nobody around here has or can get the specialty tool (8348 &8 512). I tried making my own but couldn't find anyone that carried a nut that would go on the balancer bolt. I'll try the 2x4 thing, and if all else fails I might go buy one of the huge sockets or something. I can't put anything back together until I get this goofy thing back in there.

 

Well the 2x4 trick definately seems to work better than anything else I have tried so far. It still doesn't want to go in quite as far as I think it should. I'm kinda afraid to try and beat on it any harder. Does this look like it is seated all the way, or does it need to be completly flush with the timing cover front face?

 

Well I just found this picture on the internet, so I guess thats just as far in as the seal goes. If someone knows better, please let me know before I put this all back togehter and find out the hard way....lol

 

What pic?

 

Are you sure you have the right seal? just bumping it on the crank should not send the seal flying. Should be a nice tight fit and flush with the timming cover when seated. Please check your parts. I use a 1" round x 6" long peice of brass to seat seals that are in tough spots.

 

Sorry, here ya go mines the red one:

 

That needs to go back in there further. Mine is flush......

 

Crap, I guess whoever did the one in pic #2 didn't do it right either. I got it to go in evenly, but it really doesn't want to go any further. I guess it must be damaged after so many attempts, so i'll get a new one tommorrow and try again using the 2x4 device you suggested. I have never in my life had so much trouble changing out a simple seal.


The seal I am using is part of a Fel-Pro kit (PN TCS 45952) and the seal itself is (PN 95373). This is the kit that doesn't include or usse a repair sleeve for the timing cover. If anything, the fit is too tight.