63 base motor crankshaft seal

[Frank D.]

I've chased an oil leak on my bone stock 250hp mill for a couple of weeks now and it looks like the timing chain cover or more likely the crankshaft seal (Ugh).

And of course this motor doesn't have the bolt in the crank pulley.

So, what's involved in replacing these, I'm guessing remove the hood and radiato (fan shroud?), fan,, fan belts, timing cover and crank pulle (if its the crankshaft seal) and use a seal puller to yank the old one out then reverse the process..

And what is the best seal to use ? National ? A different one ?

[Joseph L.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

Hi Frank

Removing the seal is easy. Only the fan and balancer need to be removed to access it.
You said "this motor doesn't have the bolt in the crank pulley." If you mean, the crank end is not drilled and tapped for a 7/16-20 bolt to retain the balancer, that is more of a problem to install the new seal. My method will press the seal into the timing cover. I use the tapped hole as a press. There is no hammering.
See the attached for details.

Joe

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

Sweet! Yeah - I bought a kit to tap the crank end but am having second thoughts about it on an original engine and also not sure I'm up for the job. Is there a way around that.?

[James W.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

if your crankshaft seal is leaking, take a good look to see if the crankshaft has a wear spot in it where the seal has been riding. You may need to install a speedy sleeve on the crankshaft to stop the leak. I had to do this on my '64 327/300 to get it to stop leaking.

James

[Perry M.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

You will also need to remove the water pump and harmonic balancer.

[Perry M.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

if your crankshaft seal is leaking, take a good look to see if the crankshaft has a wear spot in it where the seal has been riding. You may need to install a speedy sleeve on the crankshaft to stop the leak. I had to do this on my '64 327/300 to get it to stop leaking.

James

Not sure what you mean by a speedy sleeve installed on the crankshaft. They do make a sleeve that installs over the harmonic balancer hub. That is where the seal that is installed in the timing cover rides on the balancer.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

Yes - I aware of the Speedy Sleeve and they are highly regarded from all I've read and folks I've talked to - there may well be a groove as the engine is very original with only valve seals replaced 5 years ago.

[Jim L.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

You were talking about replacing this seal back in 2019 on CF. Is it leaking again?

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

You were talking about replacing this seal back in 2019 on CF. Is it leaking again?

I never replaced it actually; I put some Blue Devil Rear Main Seal Stop Leak in the oil and the seepage quit after a couple of hundred miles....now its time to pay the piper and replace the seal..

[Jim L.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

I never replaced it actually; I put some Blue Devil Rear Main Seal Stop Leak in the oil and the seepage quit after a couple of hundred miles....now its time to pay the piper and replace the seal..

Ah, copy that.

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

Frank, You'll need a HB puller. Easy to get off. Yes and a HB sleeve for it as its going to need it. I got them from O'Rielys/FLAPS before. The sleeve you choose should be a high quality brand.

You have to be careful not to install the seal too aggressively onto the timing cover as the cover is thin and it can bend in easily.

So you could drill and tap the crank but will need a right angle drill, short drill bits(stepping small to large), alignment jig to maintain straightness, etc.

Or you just hammer the balancer back on with a 3lb'er and a hardwood block.But if it's worn, a little Blue Loctite maybe.

Another thought... If the HB is showing signs of deteriorated rubber, send it out for rebuild to Damper Doctor and he'll sleeve it for you as part of the rebuild.

Rich
PS If it was a better time I'd tell you to just drive it down here (along the Intracoastal) with a overnight bag(if needed as you could stay in the spare room) and I'd help you do it on the lift...gratis my friend.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 base motor crankshaft seal

Yeah - I actually bought a jig and drill bit to drill the crank but should have done it when I had the front of the car apart, it requires good access to do it right. I'll get it - not a big deal.