Front main oil seal?

[1979 Quartermasters]

I have an oil leak behind the harmonic balancer. I believe it is the main seal. Does the engine have to come out to change this seal?

I get a quarter cup of oil every time I go out. I think I will run it this summer and repair this winter unless I can fix it in the boat.

I guess I need to drop the oil pan to get that one out?

Thanks....

Ken

Boat ID in signature

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Front main oil seal?

If you can get the harmonic balancer off, then you can replace the seal. Whether or not you have access to do it in the boat depends upon your boat.

The seal itself simply installs in the timing cover - no need to pull the cover or pan.

Just know this, that it is possible (maybe even likely) that the cover itself may be rusted out and a pin hole may be the problem instead a simply a seal. You just never know till you get in there and look.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Front main oil seal?

if it is the damper seal, then you will need a damper puller (can rent them from Auto parts store).

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Front main oil seal?

Can that seal be automotive. How would I find that seal?

Thanks.....

Ken

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Front main oil seal?

if the boat is the one in your signature, then yes, its a simple GM 350. a seal from a 1995 GM truck with a 350 will be the same.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Front main oil seal?

Yes, nothing special about the seal. It is in the timing cover as mentioned. Once you remove the balancer, you simply pry out the old seal and re-install a new one.

It goes in the big hole pictured here:

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Front main oil seal?

You guys are the best!!!!!

Thanks.....

Ken

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Front main oil seal?

Yes, nothing special about the seal. It is in the timing cover as mentioned. Once you remove the balancer, you simply pry out the old seal and re-install a new one.

It goes in the big hole pictured here:

The timing cover will need to come off, as the seal goes in from inside. Can be a PITA to get back into the oil pan groove. Be sure to use Permatex Form-A-Gasket silicone sealer (or something comparable) on the cover / pan surface to seal it, or it'll leak real bad at the corners of the pan. Can be done no problem, just be patient.

 

[achris]

Re: Front main oil seal?

The timing cover will need to come off, as the seal goes in from inside. Can be a PITA to get back into the oil pan groove. Be sure to use Permatex Form-A-Gasket silicone sealer (or something comparable) on the cover / pan surface to seal it, or it'll leak real bad at the corners of the pan. Can be done no problem, just be patient.

Don't know where you heard that.... Probably a seloc :facepalm:... Anyway, here's a grab of the page from the GENUINE manual...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Front main oil seal?

The timing cover will need to come off, as the seal goes in from inside. Can be a PITA to get back into the oil pan groove. Be sure to use Permatex Form-A-Gasket silicone sealer (or something comparable) on the cover / pan surface to seal it, or it'll leak real bad at the corners of the pan. Can be done no problem, just be patient.

Never had to pull a front cover yet on an SBC to change the front seal. It goes in from the outside.

 

[achris]

Re: Front main oil seal?

Never had to pull a front cover yet on an SBC to change the front seal. It goes in from the outside.

Agree...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Front main oil seal?

a piece of PVC can also be used to drive the seal on

 

[dan t.]

Re: Front main oil seal?

Lost count a long time ago how many of those I have changed, never had to pull a cover yet.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Front main oil seal?

You dont have to remove the cover!

Give the balance'r a good looking at, check for a groove worn in it.
I fit has one, you might want to consider a "speedy sleeve" for the balance'r while you are at it. Parts store will have em.

Not sure about yours... A lot of our parts stores have free tool rental/exchange programs... get the balance'r puller and installer. No hammers please!

Good luck

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Front main oil seal?

Not sure about yours... A lot of our parts stores have free tool rental/exchange programs... get the balance'r puller and installer. No hammers please!

And no 3-jaw pullers

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Front main oil seal?

I stand corrected. Must have been confusing the SBC with other engines I have worked on. Don't recall ever changing one from the outside.