91 Metro 1.0 3cyl. Automatic Crank seal advice needed

[doug2060]

Hello, I have noticed a minor oil leak coming from the timing cover in my metro which has gradually gotten worse. Its time to go ahead and replace the crank and cam seals and yes I will be doing the timing belt also. I just wanted to stop in and ask if I'll be needing any special tools for the job such as a specific puller etc. Any links will also be much appreciated. Thanks...

[sbiddle]

No special tools except a large socket to use as a seal driver. You could also use a piece of PVC pipe or anything that fits the diameter of the seal. You want to push those things in evenly. One tip is you should loosen the cam shaft bolt before removing the timing belt since that can be on pretty tight. Also, you may want to replace the water pump if it's been a while.

[91Caprice9c1]

Lightly coat the inside of the seals with motor oil, and the out side with sealant (RTV), I recommend "The Right Stuff."

Also, becareful not to sink your cam seal below flush because it will keep going. Stop when it is flush with the face of the head and cam bearing cap. Failure to do so may result in a cam seal that walks out and drains your oil.

-MechanicMatt

[doug2060]

Thanks, I'll definately put the advice to good use. So, I won't need a pulley puller? I hope not!

[91Caprice9c1]

On rare occasions I have had to rig up a slide-hammer to get the crank pulley off. But it isn't common.

While you're down there I recommend replacing the four 8mm hex bolts that hold the balancer onto the timing sprocket with allen head bolts. 6mm x 1.0 is the thread size, diameter and pitch respectively.

-MechanicMatt

[doug2060]

That sounds good. If I have any trouble I know where to go. Thanks for the advice.

[Johnny Mullet]

No need to remove the center crankshaft bolt. Just the smaller outer bolts. A big rubber hammer usuallly knocks them right off.

[sbiddle]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

No need to remove the center crankshaft bolt. Just the smaller outer bolts. A big rubber hammer usuallly knocks them right off.

If you're replacing the crank seal you HAVE TO remove the crank bolt and remove the pulley. The seal is behind the pulley. If you'r just doing the timing belt or WP, just remove the outer bolts.

[carpenter_jai]

The crank bolt is stubbornly tight. Both times that I replaced the timing belt and cam seal, I tried to do the crank seal too, but I was not been able to get the crank bolt loose. I tried the method where one fits a socket on a breaker bar, and resting the breaker bar against the engine mount and cranking the car to try to loosen the bolt. This did not work for me, though I've heard of others having success with this method.

Jai

[MikeS144]

jai,

I have used a chain wrench with a rag to protect the pulley when replacing the front crank seal. Also you should check for thrust bearing wear (pull on the pulley to see if there is any play) before replacing otherwise you will be right back there again.

Good luck!!
Mike

[sbiddle]

This is what I do to hold the crank pulley for removing the crank bolt. Same method for all cars....Take a used accessory belt that roughly fits the profile of the crank pulley. Wrap the belt around and overlap it by about 180 degrees. This makes a strap wrench set-up. Get everything pretty tight and stick a crowbar through the open loop. When torque is applied to the crank bolt, the belt tightens up and holds the pulley in place. Works like a charm.

[MikeS144]

Wow......nice sbiddle! now that is shadetree enginuity if I have ever seen it!! I'll have to remember that in the future if I'm ever without my chainwrench.

[doug2060]

OK, I just found the time to get started. Unfortunately I do not have the cash to replace other things I wanted while I was in there. The timing belt is new as of January of this year but I really wanted to atleast replace the water pump too which should have done in January by the guy I bought it from. Anyway... I got it all took apart tonight. It was the crank seal that is leaking. With all the advice I got here it was actually easy to get to. I had to use a little help from the starter to remove the crankshaft center bolt (worked perfectly carpenter jai, Thanks). Now all I have to do is get my seal in the morning and put it all back together. I did notice that whoever went into it before broke the 2 timing cover bolts at the bottom and one of the 4 bolts holding the cranshaft pulley. Luckily my handy titanium left handed drill bit got all of them. It does look like the pulley rubbed the timing cover at the bottom pretty bad so I'll be looking for a new one unless I can mod it. If I have any trouble tomorrow I'll be back...

[doug2060]

I bought my seal kit today. There is a lot of extra stuff in there. Oil pump gaskets and even an o ring for the dip stick. Do I need to replace these too?