Pulley Seal Spring on Number 8 Bearing Came Loose When Installing on Crankshaft

[Gordo2]

This is frustrating

Just getting into the engine rebuild and ran into a snag.

I tried to install the number 8 bearing with a new pulley seal onto the crankshaft and the circular spring that fits into a groove in the pulley seal came loose.



I tried, but don't think I'm going to be able to get the spring back in the groove without removing the pulley seal from the bearing body. As far as I can tell - seal removal is a destructive process...

The seal and spring fit over the crankshaft just fine, but without the spring it's proper location, it isn't clamping the seal skirt to the crankshaft and may result in an oil leak.

BTW - When I pressed the seal into the number 8 bearing, I didn't use any type of sealant around the seal or inside of the bearing body.

I did however put some assembly lube on the crankshaft prior to trying to install the bearing/seal to allow the seal to slide over the crankshaft - didn't seem to help matters as far as the spring goes

Appreciate any feedback on how I should proceed.

Thanks,

Gordo

[304065]

Would be a shame to trash that nice Kaco seal- they are like the Hotel California- check in anytime you like but you can never leave.

The backside of the seal has a retaining lip that holds the spring in place. It should be fairly simple to hook the spring around the lip on one side, then pull it to the other side (180 degrees opposite) and hook it there, then hook it the rest of the way around with your fingers. I used some Bosch Distributor Grease (a Henry Schmidt trick) to hold the spring in place on the RMS.

Yes you must absolutely lubricate the crank, assembly lube is fine, so that the seal doesn't stick to the bare metal and burn on startup.

[Lapkritis]

I use a small tool such as a pic or jewelers screw driver to walk the seal lip onto the crank. I wipe a few drops of oil uniformly over the crank snout as the first step before trying to push the seal on. I don't use any grease as it can block oil from the seal surface and lead to premature wear and failure.

[Gordo2]

Originally Posted by 304065

...It should be fairly simple to hook the spring around the lip ...

Ha! Good one - "...fairly simple..."

I spent about 2 hrs trying everything to get it back in place last night when I finally caved and cried for mercy . Fingers, screwdrivers etc. I just couldn't get it to stay in the lip while attempting to push it the rest of the way around - it kept popping back out.

This morning I called around to see if I could source a new seal today locally - no joy. As such I decided to give it one more try.

With your tips, loads of patience and some coffee - I succeeded (making what should take 2 minutes - installing the seal on the crankshaft) a 3 hour ordeal.

Here's how I did it:

I put 2 fingers in the body of the bearing and pulled the lip of the seal out while holding the spring under my fingers:



Pulling the lip of the seal out was the key step that I didn't try last night: (old seal used for photo demonstration)


Then from the other end I used a blunt (hex key screwdriver) tool to work the spring the rest of the way around the lip. The tool has to be able to push the spring in place without slipping past the tip - otherwise the spring will just ride up the shaft of the screwdriver.



Thanks for the tips - problem solved & I'm back in action.

Gordo

[304065]

Gordo:

Never underestimate the power of a good cup of coffee.

[dmark9]

Hi Gordo2,

I did something similar and I did not want to risk having to go back and replace this. I bought a new number 8 seal and went with the Viton brand. That was on my 964. Delayed my build by 3 days, but I was more confident that I would not have a leak here.

dmark9
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