How do I remove the front seal that goes on the timing cover just behind the harmonic balancer? I removed the harmonic balancer, and found that the seal is probably the source of my horrible oil leak. I don't want to remove the timing cover if I don't have to.

The shop manual refers to some tool, but I doubt I'd be able to find it by the part # in the manual. Is there a modern equivalant that I might find at the local Autozone? Or better yet, any homebrewed methods? I don't care if I destroy it in the process, but would like to keep from having peices fall into the motor.

Also, once I get that seal out, does anyone know where I can find a replacement?

It's a 56 Olds 324.

Thanks!

 

I would get the new seal first so you know what the shape is inside , then play with getting it out, possibly with a thin screw driver or similar object to collapse it...there will be a thin spring on the inside circumference of the lip of the seal...good luck..

 

Any tips on getting this front oil seal off???
I tried hammering a thin flat head screwdriver in on one side, to try and pop it out a little, but all it did was poke right through the metal. So I tried prying it out, and it just ripped the metal more. So I grabbed the torn chunk with some pliers and pulled and now it's a giant mess, and the thing is not even budging.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91352
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=35556

Norm

 

You have to pull the front cover off. For that is a rope type seal and uses a retainer on the inside.

Gene

 

Are you sure? Not according to the manual.

 

Well, it looks like it to me. If not that seal is stuck in there real good. You may have to just keep working it out. It has been 20 some odd years since I have worked on the style engine and I just don't remeber for sure. The part in the pic looks like you broke the housing. Is that just a piece of tin from the seal. If so, just keep at it and it should come out.
Maybe the ever knowing "Norm" resident 371/394 expert can chime in and give us the low down.

 

what i have done many times on all types of seals is to , first be very careful and drill a small hole in 3 or 4 spots then screw a sheet metal screw in it and then pull it out with pliers. just don't go to deep or you will regret i give you this advice.

 

I picked both of those up from Harbor Frieght today on my way home from work, so we'll see how that goes...

 

Got it.

 

Nice job!! Which tool did you use to pull it out...

 

This seal puller that 88 Coupe recommended...



It broke in the process, but hey it's Harbor Freight. You get what you pay for!

 

glad to see your got the seal out, The right tool always helps

 

When I put the new seal in, should I use any kind of silicone or anything? The manual says to apply something, but I'm not sure what it's talking about.

Thanks!

 

Lube the seal with oil before install. You don't need any sealer around the metal part of the seal it is a press fit

 

Thanks! Now how about the balancer itself? Do I need to use anything when installing that?

 

So the new seal arrived.

But it doesn't actually seal around the crankshaft. It fits into the hole on the timing cover nicely, but there is about an eight to a quarter inch gap all the way around between the crankshaft and the rubber seal.

I haven't actually pressed it in yet. It looks like it is definitely the right part.

I understand that there is a thin metal sleeve that is sometimes used over the end of the crankshaft if a slight groove is worn from the old seal, but in this case the whole crankshaft end is about a half inch smaller diameter than the seal.

There is a spring inside the seal, so I'm wondering if it somehow decompresses when it's pressed into the timing cover??? I doubt it.

I don't know what to do now.

And also, there is a raised lip that runs the length of the end of the crankshaft, which is to key the balancer I guess. How is the seal affected by that?

 

look at the back side of your balancer. the seal should seal to the collar made on the back of it. the key way will be covered by the balancer. it's not a bad idea to but just a dab of RTV silicone on the key to prevent oil from leaking there.

 

nice pics ...

 

Ahhh... Thanks! That makes perfect sense. I don't have the balancer back from the rebuilder yet, so I was just looking at the seal and the bare crankshaft.

Phew, I feel so much better now!

 

I have been trying to send a PM but for some reason have been unsuccessful. I am trying to locate the same crankshaft front seal you used on your 324 engine. Can you tell me where you found the lip seal, and did it work?

Thanks.