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| | | | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 18 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 18 | Just cleaned front engine area of my '50 3100 and have noticed a leak apparently coming from main seal. Timing cover appears to be dry. Oil gathers in sheet metal recess directly below damper so has never left drips on the floor. Can seal be replaced without removing radiator?
Thanks for the help. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | If it's the front oil pan seal you can leave the radiator in. If not, it's relly tight for wrenching so I think drain and remove is best. Maybe others have a better way.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
If it is the front crankshaft seal behind the harmonic balancer, I think you'd have to remove the radiator. You need room to use a harmonic balancer puller.
What "main seal" are you referring to?
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 18 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 18 | It is the crank seal. I can see oil residue on the shaft.
I guess the radiator needs to come out.
Thanks,
Kurt | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
Let us know if there is a groove cut into the harmonic balancer by old seal. You might have to get a seal AND a repair sleeve (some vendors sell them in a kit).
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 608 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 608 | Hey Tim,
Another trick in a pinch By another Oldtimer.
With no speedy sleeve available.
Put a Thin Shim/Spacer in the hole of the cover Before the New Seal.
A 1/6th to 3/32 should be good and still get the seal in.
Gives the balancer a diff. area to ride the inside of the new seal.
steve sr.
Last edited by steve sr; 03/26/2013 8:48 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 | You need to remove the radiator, if for nothing else to give you room to swing the hammer you need to install the damper, unless of course someone drilled and tapped the crank. I'm pretty sre there is radiator interference with the damper as well, I know I had to remove my radiator to remove the damper. But don't worry it is very easy to drain and remove the radiator. Use the speedi-sleeve, they are readily available, and work like a dream. We use them at work a lot, saves a lot of money on machine work/replacement. | | |
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