Replacing front crank seal

[waterloo700]

I have a question about the best sequence for doing this.

Would you fit the seal to the front casing and then fit the casing to the engine - or - fit the casing then get the seal in (I'd use Steptoes Coke tin tip for each option)?

I'm guessing the latter but I can see advantages in both.

 

[Posh Pete]

Done it both ways! Had to because doing it the first way, the seal ended up with a convex lip and an oil leak.

Besides that, unless you have to remove the timing case, why bother? Just pull the old seal out and replace it. (I removed the timing case because I was having it powder coated.)

 

[waterloo700]

Done it both ways! Had to because doing it the first way, the seal ended up with a convex lip and an oil leak.

Besides that, unless you have to remove the timing case, why bother? Just pull the old seal out and replace it. (I removed the timing case because I was having it powder coated.)

Cover is off to sort out some corroded cover bolts but it's a good point - I guess most replacements are done with the cover in place. Only thing which might be easier with it off is driving the seal the correct distance in.