Timing Cover Crankshaft Seal Install

[Anonymous]

I'm having some trouble installing a front timing cover seal on my '67 200. I ruined the first seal I tried to install (bent it up beyond use).

I see in the factory service manual that they have a "recommended" tool to use when installing but it seems that it should be pretty straightforward to install (even pressure across the entire seal until it seats in the pocket).
I tried to install with a flat oak block and a vice the first time around, but obviously that didn't go as expected.

Do you have any tips or secrets to offer that makes the job easy to accomplish?

It seems like it should be straightforward but since I buggered up the first one, I'm a bit leary to try another without additional help/knowledge.

I'm assuming that the side of the seal with the indented pocket and spring goes toward the timing gear and the flat closed side faces out toward the balancer but I don't even trust my instincts on this now.

Thanks for any help...

 

[wallaka]

The lip on the seal goes to the inside. It sounds like you were installing it the correct direction. Of course, the seal is installed from the inside.

I used a hammer and socket big enough to sit on the perimeter of the seal, but you may not have a socket that big. A block of wood should still work though. I would be leery of using a vise to press it in, though. It seems like you could mess up the cover fairly easily.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Wallaka. I will try it again. Going to pickup the new seal tonight. We'll see if this one goes any better and thanks for clarifying that I was installing it the correct way.

 

[jamyers]

Use a hammer and a large socket, block of wood, etc. Go slowly, making sure it gets started evenly all the way around.

Driving it in w/ a hammer allows you to check it often and stop if it's binding.

 

[mugsy]

Yup, I use a ball peen hammer and a socket too. I just "tap" it in lightly. It will go in a little cockeyed, but you can then tap the spot that is raised up.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice guys. I discovered what my problem was. When I disassembled the engine a few months ago, I pulled the front seal out but didn't realize that only the rubber came out. It left the metal in place. Now, when I went to install the new seal, I didn't take notice that the old metal ring was still in the pocket.

When I tried to pound the seal in, there was no room for it. Fortunately, another set of eyes looked and told me what I was doing wrong. I wonder how many seals I would have ruined if left to my own devices.

New seal is in!