Can the front crank oil seal be removed without removing the oil pump? Possibly gouging out the old and knocking in the new? I would apprerciate info.

No need to remove the oil pump to replace the crank seal. When you remove it, carefully fish it out along the outside of the seal only trying not to score the surface. Don't touch the inner part of the seal since this is where the rotating crankshaft rides and any scoring of the crankshaft will increase the likelyhood of further leakage.

No need to remove the oil pump to replace the crank seal. When you remove it, carefully fish it out along the outside of the seal only trying not to score the surface. Don't touch the inner part of the seal since this is where the rotating crankshaft rides and any scoring of the crankshaft will increase the likelyhood of further leakage.

That's great! Many thanks!!