Hello,

My 2004 Mazda B3000 3.0L is slowly leaking oil from the front crank seal on the timing chain cover.

Was wondering if this seal be replaced without removing the timing chain cover?

Thanks in advance.

 

I suppose anything is possible, but you would have to come up with some sort of tool to press the new one in squarely.
It would be very awkward doing that even with the rad removed.
One could find a big socket that fits the edge of the new seal and use that with the big harmonic balance bolt to draw the new seal in, assuming the bolt is long enough.
The other problem that happens is that the seal wears on the aluminum pulley shaft, so more then likely you will need a speedy sleeve to deal with the groove the old seal has worn.

If you end up removing the timing cover, don't damage the oil pan gasket.

 

Darn, that is what I was afraid of.

This is what I get for not putting some sealant on the seal before pressing into a new timing chain cover when I replaced it last summer.

Thanks for the info and quick response.

 

Older Chevy, had a similar seal go out and after removing it I noticed a groove in the crank.
Since the seal was about 3/8 inch wide, I shallow inserted it. It worked, no oil drips.
As a "Just in case it wants to move", I goobered up some RTV to help keep that seal in place & a quick visual inspection of possible movement.