Front Cover crank gasket removal w/o pulling the front cover?

[11b4v]

99 D2

Well damn, I just finished oil pump gears and timing chain, new gaskets all around, and the crank gasket in the front cover leaks like a sieve. When I replaced it, it went in easy, and sits flush and even in the cover. Wondering if I used the wrong one from my spares, maybe a differential seal or something, dunno, no clue otherwise.

My question to the group is; can the crank seal in the front cover be removed without removing the front cover/water pump?

 

[terryjm1]

I accidentally used a timing cover gasket from an old 3.5 kit. I realized it before full assembly but after the cover went on. Bet you have an older gasket on there for the distributor type cover.

Alternatively, if it’s the round crank seal, that isn’t hard to change.

 

[pdxrovermech]

yes. once the pulley is off you can just pop it out with a screwdriver, then gently and uniformally tap in a new one. Check the pulley for any deep grooves that may be causing the leak and apply a little grease where the seal rides.

 

[11b4v]

appreciate ya'll, sure as hell didnt want to tear it all down again, mv

 

[jymmiejamz]

Having a really small hammer makes life easier

 

[robertf]

This might be a good project to 3d print something that goes over the crank and uses the bolt to press in the seal

 

[jymmiejamz]

This might be a good project to 3d print something that goes over the crank and uses the bolt to press in the seal

I’d buy one. The factory too is really too long to use with the engine and radiator in the vehicle