I have replaced the front crank seal 3 times on my 99 4.0 and still can not keep it from leaking. And it leaks really bad. I believe that it is the seal leaking because there is oil, drips, on the underside of the water pump but no signs of oil above that point. And of course lots of oil below that point and spread out all the way to the front fender well on the driver side. With lots of oil on the power steering fluid cooling fins below the front of the engine etc.
I replaced the harmonic balancer instead of using a repair sleeve because I have not been able to determine where the seal should set in the timing cover and the sleeve does not extend the full length of the balancer shaft. Another thing that seems to happen is as I place the balancer on the crank it seems to be pushing the seal in instead of slipping through it. I’ve oilded both the inside of the seal and the balancer shaft. This last time I set the seal in about three eights of an inch, and noticed that as the balancer went on the seal moved back.
So I’ve been thinking next time I will leave the seal flush with timing cover and let the plastic ring around the balancer seat the seal. I don’t like the idea of the plastic ring rubbing on the seal, but just don’t know what else to do? Does anybody know what that plastic ring is for or just how to do this?

 

What are you using to install the seal? The seal is press fitted in the front cover and should not move when you install the harmonic balancer. I'm wondering if the front cover is damaged or if the seal is being damaged during install. I did one on a buddy's Ranger a couple months ago and placed the seal in the middle on the front cover (about a 1/4" to 3/8" from the edge of the cover) and it hasn't leaked yet. The plastic ring is a dust shield, keeps the dirt off the seal.

 

I used a pipe coupling with a plug in the end. I drilled a hole in the center of the plug and then ran a 12 x 1.5 bolt through the hole to press fit the seal. Maybe it is not the seal leaking? Would a leak in the oil pan to front cover cause the oil to spread to the bottom of the water pump shaft housing. It sure seems as if the oil is being flung around by the spinning balancer.

 

So it appears I found the problem. The crank is not centered in the timing chain cover. This would explain why the balancer is pushing the seal in as it goes on. There was a reply in the thread about a tool for inserting the seal (good info thanks). Its called a Front Cover Aligner Set 303-093 T74P-6019-A . The name of the tool gave me the idea to measure the crank for center and sure enough it was off. I ordered the tool at Front Cover Aligner Set 303-093 T74P-6019-A. Hopefully I can get the cover back on and center it with no leaks in the oil pan to timing cover gasket!!!!!!

 

I have looked everywhere for the front crankshaft seal alignment tool on my 99 ranger 2.5 Please Help!

 

303-093 Front Cover Aligner Set T74P-6019-A

 

Thanks Pete,I saw this one but it did not show a 2.5 on its application.This is what I got from that site..(Application: 2.8L V-6, 2.9L front seal, 4.0L SOHC, 4.0L V6, Aerostar-4.0L, Ranger Bronco II)

 

Hey mike sorry can't help other then are you sure you need one? I did a lot of work an older datsun 4 banger which had alignment pins front cover to block face. So when I did the ranger I didn't even consider the fact that I might need one, and the shop manual made on mention of it?
good luck!

 

I wish this had alignment pins and the job would be over.I have just ordered a tool that should solve my problem.Its the alignment tool for a 2.3 which carries the same seal.I understand the 2.3 and 2.5 have the same crankshaft other than 2.5 has longer stroke.The tool will be here in a few days and I will find out for sure

 

Looking for a Ford Front cover alignment tool for a 2000 2.5 liter, I think the same fits a 2.3 liter. Any help would be appreciated.