Never done this on a Ford, so i figured id check first. i know how to get the old balancer off and the new one on, question is, do i have to remove the timing cover to replace the front seal? or will it be right there when i get the balancer off?
Nope..you just pry it out..apply the RTV to the new seal and tap into place...really really easy. I would also look at that as the perfect time to spend the extra half hour and replace the water pump if it's got some miles and everythings already torn down.
im assuiming the front cover seal is just a one piece rubber seal, right? i was loking at advance auto's website and they show a wierd shaped thing for both the timing cover seal and crankshaft seal. (look slike an upside down "L")
Derek, did you do this with the TC on the car? I was going to do it but was afraid the pot metal timing cover would kink rather than the seal coming out (so I left the front seal as is).
I actuallly borrowed a tool from a mechanic freind of mine, but that tool would not be necessaray..the seal came out without any issues at all with some effort, I simply worked one side a bit and then the other and out it came (though it looked like hell). The install was not difficult at all except the learing curve of how to seat the seal. I attempted to just hammer it inplace and ended up with RTV sealant all over my hand/floor/front of engine..blame that all on my impatience. Really much easier than you would think, come to think of it I never even considered the timing cover to be in danger of being damaged...I would not hesitate to do it again if needed.
Cool Derek, thanks. When I looked at it, the metal lip on the seal looked sturdier than the timing cover and I had visions of what all could go wrong.
I will remember what you said for next time.