RE: [alfa] Replacement of front crankshaft seal - spider

["Jeff Greenfield" <alfaguy@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Shawn -

No need to remove the timing cover just to replace the seal, that's a lot of
work.

You will need to remove the radiator so you have decent access. Remove the
alt. belt, and the spica drive belt. I'd suggest you replace them both while
they are off (especially the Spica belt).

You'll need an impact wrench to get the pulley off, a 1 1/2" socket and
possibly an extension or two. Depending on how large the impact wrench is,
you may have to use an extension or two through the grille opening.

If the nut has never been off before, there will be a lock tab on it. The
impact wrench should make short work of it. Replacement lock tabs are NLA
last I knew, so just use some red loctite on reassembly.

Once the nut is off, the pulley should slide right off the crankshaft. The
best way to remove the seal, is to drill a small hole in it parallel to the
crank, thread a sheet metal screw into it (don't go too deep though, there
is an oil slinger (washer kind of thing) directly behind it) and grab the
screw with a pair of vice grips and pull it out.

To install the new seal, find a piece of pipe, pvc, or something hollow that
is approx. the same OD as the seal and deep enough that it will clear the
front of the crank. Use this with a block of wood to tap the new seal into
place. The trick is to get it started square to the opening, and only tap on
the outer circumference otherwise you risk damaging the new seal.

When you put it all back together, it is easier to install the FI pump belt
with the crank pulley. Kind of work both ends of the belt on at the same
time as you push the crank pulley home.

Timing the pump is in Wes' Spica manual as well as many others. However,
there was one manual (can't remember which one) that had the procedure
wrong. So check a few and make sure they all agree, or ask here when you are
ready ...

HTH,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided] On Behalf Of
Shawn Mayer
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 5:31 PM
To: alfa-digest@domain.elided
Subject: [alfa] Replacement of front crankshaft seal - spider

Hello all -

I've had my 79 spider about 3 years now, and am finally starting to do
some of the work myself. I've got the head off right now to be rebuilt
(I burned 2 valves in the fall), and I would like to replace my front
crankshaft seal while I have access - it leaks a fair bit of oil.

I have not been able to find a very good procedure for this - so if
someone has a link, or can give me a brief rundown, I would appreciate
it. I've heard conflicting information on a couple of things, such as:
-Do I need to remove the water pump to get to the seal?
-Should I pull the timing chain cover, seat the new seal in the cover,
and fit with new gaskets, or am I better off pulling/replacing the seal
with the front cover in place?
-Is there a special procedure I need to follow with regard to the SPICA
drive/belt since it's run from crankshaft?

And finally - I know I need to use an impact wrench to get the pulley
free. My shop manual shows the bolt to be a "special bolt." Does this
mean I need a "special wrench" head to remove it. I don't have the car
in front of me to check this out at the moment.

Thanks in advance for any info provided - enjoy your cars in the spring
sun!

Shawn Mayer
79 Spider Veloce
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