Front Crank Seal Popping Out After AFM Delete

[jmo2610]

Hey guys. Did an AFM and VVT delete on my 2013 6.2 V8. Replaced the cam, timing cover, and oil pump, as well. Immediately had an oil leak out of the crank seal, and figured out that the new seal was sliding out. Not completely, but certainly not even close to flush. Thought something was wrong with it, so I replaced the seal. It held just fine for a few days, but the new one is now sliding out and causing a leak again. Any ideas on what could be happening here?

 

[89Suburban]

Did you use the special centering tool to install it?

 

[jmo2610]

Did you use the special centering tool to install it?

For the seal, or the harmonic balancer?

But to answer the question, no

 

[89Suburban]

For the seal, or the harmonic balancer?

But to answer the question, no

I thought I saw some posts about needing to use an alignment tool for the front seal cover just like you should for the rear main seal cover.

 

[solli5pack]

You do need an alingment tool. Especially if the oil pan was removed. This is what I used when I did the AFM delete on my Burb.

 

[solli5pack]

.

 

[jmo2610]

I thought I saw some posts about needing to use an alignment tool for the front seal cover just like you should for the rear main seal cover.

I will say, I watched a bunch of videos on removing and installing that seal, and a lot of people had to pry them out and use a hammer to get them back in. I did not have to do either. Came out and went in easy as butter

 

[rdezs]

Lol .... Don't watch videos on how to fix your engine where they are prying on aluminum.

And if your front cover is off centered, I suppose the seal could walk out. Or a cheaply made aftermarket front crankshaft seal that's not quite the right size.....

Use the tool pictured above to center the front timing cover without the seal in it. After torquing to specs... You can use the same tool with a rubber mallet to tap in the new seal. Felpro or OEM only. (Personally I prefer the felpro)

 

[Blackcar]

I will say, I watched a bunch of videos on removing and installing that seal, and a lot of people had to pry them out and use a hammer to get them back in. I did not have to do either. Came out and went in easy as butter

Seal should fit snug and need tapped in to cover.
Since old seal came out easy I would say hole in cover is not to spec.

 

[Just Fishing]

I always glued them in with some black rtv.
Don't want to go crazy, but I like to make it a big pita to get them out again as black rtv likes to do.

If you pay really close attention to the seal and the surface and go-slow snugging bolts you can get away w/o the alignment tool.
I have had luck looking closely at the seal squish in hopes it's perfectly centered along with the oil pan surface being flush (side to side).

Much easier to use the tool for sure.