4.0L ohv front main seal.

[MDK231]

So I put in a new front main seal and a new harmonic balancer on as well. Pressed in the new seal and began to work the balancer on. As I put the balancer on I watched the dust shield on the balancer push the seal in further. That was it work work tonight.

Assuming I need to pull the balancer and set the seal in further? Or will it be fine?

Thanks

 

[slater50]

Its been a long time but think both the 4.0 OHV & SOHC, the front crank seal is countersunk a whole bunch & requires a special installation tool to set it correctly, or it will leak....

Do you recall if it was flush or deep when you removed it?
That would tell you.

You cant just have the dampner set the depth & expect it to not leak....

 

[MDK231]

It was deep when I removed the old one. Guess it just wasn't deep enough when I reinstalled. Can't find any good literature on setting the depth. Even the haynes manual. Any idea where I can find the tool?

 

[slater50]

OTC 303-093 is the part #
You wont get it right without it....
its not a simple generic seal installer tool,
It sets the depth & once you hammer the seal in & outside edge of the tool bottoms out against the the front cover, that sets the seal perfectly straight.
Been a ford engine tech for a long time.
Ive tried doing what you did & even tried setting the depth without the tool.
Mine leaked,
Think I re-did mine 3 times before I had no choice but to locate the shop tool.
Which wasnt easy to locate at the time, till it permanently ended up in my toolbox,

YOU WILL ALOS NEED A NEW SEAL NOW, AGAIN.....

Toolsource.com - Front Cover Aligner T74P-6019-A

SpecificationsManufacturer: OTC Tools and Equipment OTCModel Number: 303-093Part Number: T74P-6019-AWeight: 2 lbsDimensions: 7 x 5 x 5 inchesKey FeaturesThis tool is designed for the accurate alignment of the engine front cover during assembly or service. Its construction prioritizes durability...

www.toolsource.com

I know nothing about this site, they do have an email address...
$20 vs $150??

https://www.greattoolshome.com/product/front-cover-aligner-t74p-6019-a/?

 

[SenorNoob]

Hmm. I don't remember having any trouble with a piece of PVC as a driver on mine... Still not leaking 2 years later. Guess I just got lucky.

 

[slater50]

Hmm. I don't remember having any trouble with a piece of PVC as a driver on mine... Still not leaking 2 years later. Guess I just got lucky.

must have...

 

[Shran]

I have done a bunch of these and have not had one leak. It's pretty hard to misalign it if you don't remove the timing cover and you just drive it in until it stops.

If you do remove the timing cover, I drive the seal in as usual and install the cover with the bolts just finger tight, then push the balancer back on and just slightly into the seal. Wiggle the timing cover around or tap it with a hammer until it seems pretty happy, then tighten the bolts that go up through the oil pan first to just snug, then the rest that go into the block, then retorque all of them. The balancer acts as your alignment tool. I have not had one leak.

Rear mains, if you can help me get those to seal up every time, I'd be real happy. I have about a 50% success rate there, hate those bastards.