MG T-ABC

My crankshaft pulley oil seal (modern "lip seal") is leaking. Is there room to remove the pulley and replace the seal without removing the radiator, engine, etc.? Any hints?
Thanks, Norman

I haven't tried it. It seems like there is room but it might end up being harder than just removing the radiator. Plus you may have to remove the timing gear cover as well, since the crankshaft will still be in place. Then install the seal to the cover, quickly install and seal the cover before the lip seal sealant sets (say that 10 times fast), then get the pan on afterward.

The radiator removal is really quite easy. Crankshaft pully ,timing chain cover, and oil pan as well. Once you're there ,all the things you've wanted to get at are accessable.

Is it possible to jiggle the oil seal in place after removing the timing cover, but leaving the pan or sump on? Incidentally I had to put a speedy sleeve over the pulley as it had worn a bit. Leaking again but have been putting it off! Bit lazy I guess!

I doubt that you can do that. As I recall, and it has been awhile since I have had the sump off, the modern lip type oil seal requires it to be set in sealant to locate properly and seal around the outside of it. It does not just slide into the recess in the sump and timing case.

I agree. I think you would have to seriously distort the seat to do that. Then again, I've never actually tried it.

As I recall the modern seal fits into sort of a rounded half slot in the timing case and also in the sump that the rope seal would have been packed into. When the modern seal is installed the slot is given a coating of gasket sealer to seal around the outside of the modern seal as it is not that snug of a fit in the slot..............as I recall.

Correct.

Thanks gents. Looks like sump off!

.. and timing cover so rad off as well.

However, a well installed rope seal should not leak, mine don't.... much (well a little weep but it stops rust forming)

Just as a curiosity, my engine is the factory original assembly and all the seals are fine. I have had the sump off to scrape sludge and was able to return the sump with just a little hylomar on that one cork seal. All original seals and gaskets. Interesting, eh?

Duncan, define the word "fine", please.
Does that mean they do not leak at all?

Post cancelled.....

Don't believe it

"Fine" in the normal parlance, Stephen. No trick meanings. Norman (frenchblatter) mentions how a properly installed rope seal should not leak, and further discusses what a "weep" is. Many things on a TC were originally designed in such a way that they weep. Big difference between a leak and weep. Only the rear engine seal is designed such that a leak is to be expected.

Well, " fine " is a bit ambiguous . Weep and leak are not .

Yes, interesting.
Now what constitutes the difference between a weep and a leak? Could it be the number of droplets contained in the puddle in question? I think I have some things that weep, but than the rear main could constitute a leak, but it only leaks or weeps when the engine is shut down. Could this be classified than as a "seep"?
I am confused and need clarification.

And if grease is slowly escaping, is it a creep? Sorry, couldn't resist.

Don't believe what tcremesal?

Don't believe "weeps" or "leaks" are "fine" , But , seems that's just me . Still love my TC.