Installation of crankshaft oil seal?

[Jaroslav_SVK]

Im going to take gearbox out due repair of leaking selector shaft and while will out, I want also change crankshaft oil seal on flywheel end, is leaking too. How do you guys install this crankshaft oil seal? I know that seal is installed not flushed with cylinder block flange. In service manual there is used special installation tool which I think make a corect offset of seal towards flange... What is proven method of this without special tool, or what is corect measurement of sticking out...? I cant masure this directly on engine because seal was change at engine rebuild by previous owner and is leaking since then, so I think is installed incorectly. Thank you all for advice.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Im going to take gearbox out due repair of leaking selector shaft and while will out, I want also change crankshaft oil seal on flywheel end, is leaking too. How do you guys install this crankshaft oil seal? I know that seal is installed not flushed with cylinder block flange. In service manual there is used special installation tool which I think make a corect offset of seal towards flange... What is proven method of this without special tool, or what is corect measurement of sticking out...? I cant masure this directly on engine because seal was change at engine rebuild by previous owner and is leaking since then, so I think is installed incorectly. Thank you all for advice.

This is the tool. I got mine from my local Renault dealer, so you might get lucky. It cost me £80 and has proven to be worth the money so far.

I‘d read a few posts of people struggling to get the seal in without it leaking, so I didn’t think it was worth the risk. Not sure how far the seal goes in, as this tool is designed to push it in correctly. From what I’ve read you can push them in too far.

If you manage to find one, make sure the engine has no movement and is sitting level on solid ground. I managed to mess up my first attempt because the engine was hanging from a crane and it wasn’t stable. At £50 a seal, it’s an expensive job if you screw it up.

 

[Jaroslav_SVK]

@Mr Underhill Thank you, very informative answer . When I look at tool, it looks like at installation process you first slide seal on smaller outer diameter of tool, than whole assembly (tool+seal) is centered on the crankshaft by smallest inner hole of tool and than you push it all the way. From that it looks like inner cylinder of tool is on spring or can move toward outer cylinder, right? Can you please measure by caliper distance from the face of the outer cylinder to the face of the inner cylinder when you push it all the way like in process of installation? With this value I can make simplyer version of tool and save few bucks . Thank you!

 

[Mr Underhill]

@Mr Underhill Thank you, very informative answer . When I look at tool, it looks like at installation process you first slide seal on smaller outer diameter of tool, than whole assembly (tool+seal) is centered on the crankshaft by smallest inner hole of tool and than you push it all the way. From that it looks like inner cylinder of tool is on spring or can move toward outer cylinder, right? Can you please measure by caliper distance from the face of the outer cylinder to the face of the inner cylinder when you push it all the way like in process of installation? With this value I can make simplyer version of tool and save few bucks . Thank you!

When comes back to me I will, but not sure when that will be as my mate is building his new engine and has borrowed it from me.

 

[Jaroslav_SVK]

When comes back to me I will, but not sure when that will be as my mate is building his new engine and has borrowed it from me.

No problem, I will do it in a few months. If you forget I will remind you... THX

 

[Illianish]

Gents, had to do mine, read this thread, was very helpful.
The way I did it was using the homemade tool made from drain cover, drilled holes to match the flywheel pattern ,

see images. I
After initially pressing the seal, drive it with precision using fluwheel bolts tightened in a star pattern

 

[Struggler]

does this drain cover have some kind of lip on it? Or does it just push the seal flush with the flywheel mounting face evenly?

I have to do this soon and absolutely terrified! Would happy pay money to borrow the correct tool of someone if they have it!

 

[Illianish]

does this drain cover have some kind of lip on it? Or does it just push the seal flush with the flywheel mounting face evenly?

I have to do this soon and absolutely terrified! Would happy pay money to borrow the correct tool of someone if they have it!

Hi, I used an old seal to drive the new one in.
Sandwiched the old seal between the drain plug and the new seal, started rhe bolts, then tightened in star pattern, checking the new seal depth from time to time.
The new oem seal doesn't go in all the way to be flush with the block, otherwise you won't need this contraption.

Very safe and controlled installation.
Start with a soda bottle to seat the new seal on the flange without damaging the lip. Then use a similar device to drive it home.

Easypeasy,
If you got all the way there , you'll manage, no doubt.