Replancing Crank Seal (oil Pump Seal)

[armbrusb]

Hi,

I have a blown crank seal on my 4WD Skyline (R32 GTS4). I have been told that I will need to remove the pump do replace the seal and that the pump has a large bolt on the bottom of it which stops it from sliding of the crank with-out removing the sump. This sounds like a MASSIVE job. I have been quoted around $1000 to have it done for me. Has anyone done this at home? Was it as bad as it sounds? Any help would be good.

Alternatively, Advan at Silverwater tell me that they simply slide the seal out of the oil pump while it is still on the crank. Does this sound unreasonable? It would certainly save A LOT of hassle if it is possible.

Your thoughts?

[SteveL]

I have been told that I will need to remove the pump do replace the seal....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That is not correct, assuming your talking about the crank oil seal. Basically it's a case of removing the harmonic balancer + timing belt cog (and a couple of associated large guides/washers) then prising out the seal before putting in the new one. There's no need to remove the oil pump. Of course, taking off the belt cog also means removing the timing belt/covers, etc, so might be a good idea to consider replacing the belt as well depending on the k's it's done, plus also worth considering replacing the water pump. All this depends on what you know about the condition of those parts.

[armbrusb]

I am talking about the crank oil seal (we are on the same page). How do I prise the seal out (with a knife or something). To put it back in do I simply need to press it in the same way it came out? Sorry, for the additional questions but it is better to ask someone who knows that try to figure it out myself!

[SteveL]

I am talking about the crank oil seal (we are on the same page). How do I prise the seal out (with a knife or something). To put it back in do I simply need to press it in the same way it came out? Sorry, for the additional questions but it is better to ask someone who knows that try to figure it out myself!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have a specially bent screwdriver that does the job (seriously). You'll have to improvise BUT be very careful not to scratch/score the surfaces of the pump where the seal fits or you might end up with another leak. The new one is simply pressed into place, but I usually put a (thin) smear of grease on the outer surface to help it go in. Make sure you lubricate the 'lips' of the new seal (ie where it contacts the crank surface) with oil before it goes in.

[armbrusb]

This seems a little too easy (I am very excited about this now!) Are there any other details that you can think of to remove some issues that may come up?

[SteveL]

This seems a little too easy (I am very excited about this now!) Are there any other details that you can think of to remove some issues that may come up?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There are probably a myriad of things I wouldn't give a second thought to, but might become 'issues' if you've never done this before. The main things I can think of are:

- getting the crank bolt undone (and done up at the end)

- getting the belt cog off the crank (I see there's another thread - personally I regard cold chisels and angle grinders as an absolute last resort......)

- cam timing (make sure you fully understand how this is done BEFORE you even consider pulling things apart - I'd strongly recommend getting all the marks lined up before taking anything off).

- make sure you have all the spare parts you need on hand before doing any work (eg replacement belt cog if you plan on taking a cold chisel to the old one, waterpump, timing belt, seal, etc, etc).

Above all have a good think about how your going to tackle the job, allow plenty of time and have a read of the threads on these forums (ie do a search) of which there are many that have discussed pretty much exactly what your planning. If your not sure, ask, and perhaps even find a member here that is local to you and might be able to offer direct hands-on help/assistance in the event you get into difficulties.