Hello Ranger Forum,

2004 Mazda B3000 DS

Mazda makes a tool to remove the front crank seal with the 3.0l Vulcan engine still in the truck.

Part Number: 49UN-01-0030

The dampener still has to come off and maybe the radiator to get some working space.




But should be easier then having to remove the front timing chain cover to replace the seal.

 

I have drilled 2 small holes on opposite sides of seal then used screws in the holes to push the seal out enough to get it out
But you still need the room to get in the drill

 

Dude thank you so much- came across this on Google looking for advice. I replaced the timing cover, crankshaft seal, and water pump to address the infamous timing cover coolant leak. Put it all back together and still leaked coolant. Did the whole job again, this time put grey rtv around the water jacket areas of the paper gasket- and no more looking coolant. However, to my dismay I was now spraying oil all over the passenger side- in my frustration I did not realize the new crank seal had been torn in the process of re-removing the harmonic balancer. After much frustration trying to pry off the seal without chipping the aluminum timing cover, I came across your post here. Found one on ebay, waited a week, and lo and behold this got it off in about 30 seconds. There really is a right tool for every job.

P.S. If anyone stumbles across this thread and is in similar predicament- PM me. I'll send you the tool for the cost of shipping only. Don't need it anymore as I've sold the truck. Cheers.