M25 oil seal question

[Sefuller]

I noticed this question had been posed previously by Deke with no replies - I am hoping someone has some experience to offer!

I thought our M25 was leaving a trail of belt dust around the engine compartment, but after a thorough cleaning a couple of weeks ago I noticed today it was back and it is oil, not dust. I looked behind the crankshaft pulley and noticed that the oil seal is not seated flush, but is slightly cocked, and must be allowing a tiny amount of oil to seep out. I vaguely recall noticing this several years ago, and I believe I used a large flat screwdriver to force it back in place at that time by levering the screwdriver against the back of the pulley.

I would like to replace the seal, but I am not sure if it can be done without disassembling the engine? I would like to remove the pulley, remove the old seal and press in a new seal - is this feasible? The previous poster asked how to prevent the crank from turning while loosening the pulley nut, I have the same question as well.

Any help is appreciated!

Scott

 

[Sefuller]

Let me simplify my question -

Is it possible to change the front oil seal with the crankshaft cover still installed on an M25?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[kloudie1]

I am not 100% familiar with that engine, but on most engines, the seal can be removed and replaced by pulling the front pulley. Might be good to get the exact seal from Universal/Kubota, since some crank seals are for a specific rotation direction.(don't just read the numbers on the old seal and replace since the old one seems not right!) Holding the pulley can sometimes be done by tightening the alternator belt and holding the alternator while removing the crank pulley nut. Sometimes you have to use a strap or chain wrench to hold it.. Many times it can be loosened by impact.. put a good socket on with a good cheater bar and smack the bar with a hammer while holding the pulley as best you can.
When you install the new seal, put a little silicone gasket compound around the OD so it doesn't come out easily.. Thoroughly clean the bore in the case before putting in the new gasket..
Ya might carefully check your crankcase breather to make sure it is open and not allowing pressure to build in the crankcase.. Good Luck with it!

 

[Sefuller]

Thanks much for the reply!

That all makes sense - I will order a seal this next week and give it a try.

 

[Sefuller]

Done!

I finally got the oil seal project finished today. I purchased a new seal from a local Kubota parts dealer for $8, borrowed a puller from AutoZone and an electric impact driver from a friend. The nut on the front of the crankshaft pulley was 1 1/8" (28mm) and came off easily with the impact after I unfolded the keyed tab washer. The pulley was probably never removed before, but with the puller it too came off with relatively little effort. Part of the old seal was already protruding out of the bore, so I was able to pry it all the way out with a small screwdriver. Judging from the deformation and the paint on part of the lip, it looks as if it was never seated correctly. I cleaned everything up, and installed the new seal - tapping it into place using the 1 1/8" socket. Looking forward to being able to motor without leaving a black line of oil fling on the engine compartment bulkhead and engine stringers now!

 

[kloudie1]

Great news.. Glad that worked..