Oil leak at front crank seal - fix in boat or pull engine

[cobraowner]

Noticed oil in the bilge after a day out and find it is dripping from the front crank seal on my 93 Ford 5.0 HO. Not sure if oil pan needs to be dropped or not. Can the seal be replaced without removing the timing chain cover? It looks like removing the timing chain cover would require the oil pan to be removed. The manual indicates engine removal to pull the pan, not sure why. Looks like I can access all fo the pan bolts.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Oil leak at front crank seal - fix in boat or pull engine

You can replace the seal without removing the engine. Use the special tools to remove ind install the balancer. Once the balancer is off pull the seal off. Press the new one on. You can remove the cover without touching the pan. The cover sits on top of the pan on fords. There are three or four bolts that go through the pan into the cover.

 

[cobraowner]

Re: Oil leak at front crank seal - fix in boat or pull engine

Thanks will give it a shot. I read in a few auto forums that you can work around the crank to get the seal out.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Oil leak at front crank seal - fix in boat or pull engine

Be sure to check the harmonic balancer for wear where the seal rides...When the seal gets old and hard it can cut a groove in the surface.... They do make a sleeve and seal kit to repair it.