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Apr 9, 2015 | 05:05 PM

backrode570

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Need help Front main seal

I have replaced the front main seal twice within a month and its leaking again seal looks torn each time looks great when installed but within the 1st 100 miles it starts leaking again. same damage to seal each time. no play in shaft. have no idea whats doing it. It's a 1989 F250 5.8 with a little over 100000 miles

Apr 9, 2015 | 05:15 PM

RIKIL

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same thing happened to me and I found the seal was bent over itself when installed. This was in a spot I wasn't able to see. I had to take a tool and carefully make sure it wasn't bent over itself, wasn't easy in the small space. If you are 1000000% sure this is good, I have nothing for you

Apr 10, 2015 | 01:16 AM

backrode570

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Quote:

Originally Posted by RIKIL

The seal seem to be in right both times I also replaced timing chain cover could it possibly be off center and causing the problem

Apr 10, 2015 | 06:42 AM

dixie460

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Joined: Nov 2011

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From: SW Florida

How's the surface of the crank look where the seal rides? If there's even a slight burr there it'll make your new seal leak again. You shouldn't be able to catch a fingernail anywhere on the surface. Polish it up with some sandpaper or emery cloth or something.

Apr 10, 2015 | 07:07 AM

bashby

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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va

If the crank pulley is grooved you can put a speedi-sleeve on it. Be sure to lube the new seal where the crank pulley rides on it.

Apr 10, 2015 | 07:09 AM

backrode570

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I put a repair sleeve in the last time so it shouldn't be riding on the shaft. Thinking maybe the cover is not setting right may be off center. Right now I'm lost.

Apr 10, 2015 | 07:10 AM

bashby

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Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va

Did you lubricate it?

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Apr 10, 2015 | 11:50 PM

jaagen

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Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 463

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From: Rohnert Park Ca.

I guess the question is where is the seal being damaged at. Around the shaft or else where. If it's around the shaft area I would be checking all around it, or even redo the timing cover it might be pinching it some how.

Apr 10, 2015 | 11:58 PM

#10

krooser

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 1,069

Likes: 19

From: Central Wisconsin

Chinese timing cover? You wouldn't be the first guy to have problems.

BTW… that's called a timing cover seal or crank seal.

Apr 11, 2015 | 12:42 AM

#11

jason90f150

Mountain Pass

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 223

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From: Colorado

when I changed my seal I left the timing cover bolts loose then I put the balancer on, centered it all up then cranked it down. It was a 5.0 but Im sure its the same