8N Crank Seals Question

[BradTN]

I have my N disassembled for some refurbishing and I'm thinking about doing the front and rear crank seals. This will be my first attempt at this on an N. Is there anything I need to watch out for ? I have the choice of lip seal or rope on the front. Has anyone tried the front lip seal with good results ? Thanks.

 

[SlimB]

Yes, the lip seal is definitely the way to go.

 

[jimtrs]

(quoted from post at 16:56:23 07/10/20) I have my N disassembled for some refurbishing and I'm thinking about doing the front and rear crank seals. This will be my first attempt at this on an N. Is there anything I need to watch out for ? I have the choice of lip seal or rope on the front. Has anyone tried the front lip seal with good results ? Thanks.
<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto50012.jpg">

Are you current seals leaking? Rope seals are pretty bulletproof, though they don't last forever. The front rope seal wears a groove (sometimes very deep) in the front crank pulley. A one piece seal on a grooved pulley will leak. Better off with rope in that case, or replace the pulley. Be sure to seal the one piece seal on the outsides. Position it carefully. I still prefer the rope here.

To do the rear seal correctly, the crankshaft needs to be removed, or lifted up quite a bit. If your gonna try to stuff the rope in without lifting the crank, your probably better off leaving the old seals.

 

[BradTN]

I think the original seals leak a little...not too bad. I was just considering this because I'm in the area while redoing some other things.Do they make a repair sleeve for the front crank pulley or would one need to replace that if badly grooved ? So, the front crank seal is replaceable from the front ? I was planning on pulling the crankshaft and checking the bearings and such. How about the quality of the replacement rope seal material ? I would guess it's from China.(Boo!) Do we get the same durability out of a replacement seal ? I guess we find out in about 70 years ! Ha! Thanks.

 

[jimtrs]

(quoted from post at 22:52:45 07/11/20) I think the original seals leak a little...not too bad. I was just considering this because I'm in the area while redoing some other things........ I was planning on pulling the crankshaft and checking the bearings and such.

Usually when we're that far in, it's because of a worn out engine or serious problems. At that point I would just do a full rebuild. I mean, you're there.

If the engine is fine otherwise, you may wanna just leave it alone. If you just wanna "play", get ready for mission creep.

Anyway, If you're that far in, yes, replace the seals.

Do they make a repair sleeve for the front crank pulley.....

Of course. There are literally thousands of sizes of speedi-sleeves, and there are different lengths of the same diameter sleeve. You would spec it by size. One that I've used here is SKF 99162.

or would one need to replace that if badly grooved?

Of course, that's an option. I would certanly go that route if the pulley is loose on the hub (common).

So, the front crank seal is replaceable from the front?

Yes. The timing gear cover and the oil pan needs to be removed.