5.9 v8 in the 2000 Ram.... Its not pouring oil out, but its leaking enough to drip off the cross member. Can that seal be horked out of there and replaced with the timing cover still in place, or am I going to have to pull the cover? Alot of work if that cover needs to come off, would like to get away with pulling the harmonic balancer...

 

You can change the seal without pulling the cover. With the balancer out of the way, it's actually easy.

 

Don't worry, SOMETHING will cause it to be a painful, and I know I'll be making the blood sacrifice. The bottom pulley (attaches to the balancer) is awful rusty.... are the aftermarket Dayco ones worthwhile?

Thinking it might be smart to get the repair sleeve, in case the snout is worn where the seal rides. There are two types, $4 and $26 on RockAuto site.... anyone have experience using the $4 one?

 

If you don't bleed, it's not a real job.

I think yours is one piece, isn't it? Gotta replace the whole thing. If its just surface rust, clean it up, paint it, reinstall it.

 

I was editing while you were replying.... This engine has 184k on it, thinking it might be worthwhile to have a repair sleeve just in case... seems like there are two types from timken... anyone have experience with those?

 

I really don't like the repair sleeves, they are a major pain to get on there just right, and you only get one shot at it. If the balancer is worn to the point that it needs a repair sleeve, I just replace it. With 180K on the clock, the rubber isolator is likely reaching end of life in any event.....

 

I recommend just the seal and new balancer. I replaced the seal and it still leaks because the 5.2 balancer is some sort of unicorn part. Hope you have better luck.

 

Definitely use the repair sleeve.
NATIONAL p/n: 88218 $5.91 each
I used these sleeves with good results - no leaks. Harmonic balancer sleeve, Torque converter sleeve,
Both brands are good Timken and National. And they are easy to install.

 

Is the 88218 just for the 5.9 or also for 5.2?
I also seen a 99218 but not sure which to get for 318/5.2
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