Replacing rear oil seal with housing in place?

[Henk]

I arrived at the rear oil seal (crankshaft) and it's obviously to loose. Took the dimensions and ordered a new seal.
To replace the seal the housing can be removed, but is it possible to change the seal with the housing in place? I tried this with a spare housing and a used seal, no problem to fit it from the outside!
What are your experiences like on this area?
If it's possible it saves removing the well placed (with liquid sealant) housing.

[Toledo Man]

It is best to remove the housing. Just be careful with the sump gasket when you remove the housing. Don't forget to remove the 2 sump bolts that go into the housing. You will also need the housing gasket as well. When you come to fit the new seal, smear some clean oil on it to ensure a good seal (the same as you would with the seal on a spin-on oil filter). It also makes it easier to get the seal in place. I did this very job when I had to replace the drive plate back in November. It made sense to do it while I had access to it.

[sprint95m]

I disagree with you Dave.

It is practical to replace the seal with the housing in place on the engine.



No point in doing unnecessary dismantling........?






Ian.

[Edin Dundee]

I arrived at the rear oil seal (crankshaft) and it's obviously to loose. Took the dimensions and ordered a new seal.
To replace the seal the housing can be removed, but is it possible to change the seal with the housing in place? I tried this with a spare housing and a used seal, no problem to fit it from the outside!
What are your experiences like on this area?
If it's possible it saves removing the well placed (with liquid sealant) housing.

Henk, check out two posts by a fellow countryman of yours on PAGE 6 of this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=22925&start=75

[Henk]

Thanks guys, housing had to come off: seal didn't want to leave the housing...
I know of the shortened spring trick. Last time it worked for about two years, but now it only lasted a couple of months. The spring laid loose in the seal: bottom of body is rust-protected now!
Have to find out how to refix the spring properly.

[Mad Mart]

Once you've shortened the spring Henk, you need to twist the spring so that as you let go it screws itself into the other half. If that makes sense.

[Henk]

Thanks again, managed it (hopefully).
Just need to re-install starter motor, prop shaft and gearbox remote and then off for the final miles of 2015.
See you next year!