Crankshaft front oil seal

Has anyone replaced the crankshaft oil seal on the front of a 328 engine? (pulley side of the engine)

I thought my cam seals were leaking onto the exhaust but now I'm quite certain it's the crankshaft seal :-(

Can this seal be replaced with the engine in the car? It kind of looks like the gearbox/sump, below, has to be dropped before the cover plate holding the crank seal can be removed (once the crank pulley/dampener and cambelt drive cogs have been removed).

Erich

 

I had mine replaced last year by specialist Ferrai independant guy here in UK. Seal was around £20.00 work was done with engine in the car. Car had 52K miles on it and it was leaking quite badly. No problems since .

 

Thanks for the reply. It's good to know the engine does not need to come out but I'm still trying to figure out how it's done.

So, has anyone done this job on their own? Any tips/hints/suggestions?

 

The timing cover (holds the crank seal) does not need to be removed to replace the main seal.

Here is a photo of what it will look like after removing the damper (I have a few other things removed in the photo that can stay in place if you are just replacing the seal):
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How did you get the old seal out? Punch a hole in it and hook something in the hole to pull it out? What about installation of the new one? Just an appropriately sized hollow tube and a hammer?

Thanks, Erich
PS. nice looking timing belt covers! Powder coated?

 

Here- this one will help you:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83886&page=1&highlight=seal+removal

To install- a tube and hammer will work- be gentle, but try using the crank bolt with a tube and some washers to press the seal in as you tighten down the bolt.

Also, I used a little anaerobic sealant on mine during install.

Yes, the belt covers are powder coated- thanks.

jwise

 

Great link and tips. Thanks! I had done a search but didn't come up with the pages from the link you sent.

Erich

 

Yes, The originals were pretty badly stained & didn't want to clean up. I used Eastwood's 'Cast Aluminum' powder coating. As you can see, the color is just slightly bluish, but the finish came out great.