M-18 oil leak

[Steve Walsh]

My 1986 Universal M-18 is starting to leak around the timing cover crankshaft seal. The Kubota drawing I have seems to indicate that the seal can be pressed in from outside without having to remove the timing cover. Has anyone been thru this repair and know if this is possible. I'd like to avoid removing the cover due to the likely potential of breaking off frozen bolts in the block, creating a much worse problem.

Thanks!

Steve

 

[jrowan]

Steve, not sure about your crankshaft seal method of replacement dilemna, but as far as removing frozen bolts I've had good luck getting them off intact when they are first thoroughly soaked with PB Blaster. If it doesn't loosen them up, nothing will. Just make sure not to douse any rubber parts with it, as it is pretty corrosive to rubber & plastic.

 

[Steve Walsh]

PB blaster is great, but unfortunately, these bolts are the style with smooth shafts and threaded only at the end which is deep in the block. I can't see any way the PB Blaster or penetrating oil could work that far down the shaft, especially since the bolts will not loosen enough to create a gap between the bolt head and timing case that would allow PB blaster a path to the threads.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Sounds like you're talking about studs, not bolts. My understanding is that to remove studs you place two nuts on the end of the stud and snug them up and back out the stud. You still need to blast the end that's in the block with PBB. I also recall someone mentioning a stud removal tool...

If there are no threads whatsoever in the end you can see, then vice grips would be the first tool. Then the stud removal tool if it doesn't depend on threads. Hope someone else will jump in here.

Good luck.

 

[Ray Bowles]

I am not familiar with your engine but I have removed many seals like the one you describe. If it is indeed removable externally then you need a seal puller that can be found at NAPA or other auto parts stores. Spray a "Little" penatrating oil on the seal/cover joint before starting. The puller allows you to hook the seal and leverage it out. Do not simply hook one spot and pull it all there, move around and pull from 3 or 4 different places until it starts coming out equally. Be sure to get the proper size puller for your seal.
Find a short piece of pipe the will fit over the crankshaft snout and that fits the seal diameter. You might have to pull the crankshaft pully key out to fit the seal. Put a small film of Permatex gasket sealer between the seal/cover interface and a lite film of oil on the seal rubber surface. Slide the seal into place and slide the pipe onto it and lightly tap the seal to get it started evenly into the cover. Then use a hammer to fully install the seal. If you use standard black pipe you can screw a pipe cap onto your pipe and hit that with the hammer. This pipe and cap can be found at a hardware store.
Do not use a steel hammer to install the crankshaft pully. Use a no rebound hammer or rubber hammer for the pully. Severe damage can be done to the crank with the wrong hammer.
Enjoy the cold beverage upon compleation.
Ray