5000cstq how to replace front main seal?

[Bernard Littau]

Hi Joe,

> So it looks like I have found my water leak on my 5kcstq, looks like it
> is the water pump. So since I am going to be replacing the water pump,
> timing belt, and tensioner. I figure that now would be a good time to
> replace the leaking front main. Does anyone have any tips or advice for
> doing this? Any special tools needed?

I thought I had a main seal leak in the front, so I prepared to do battle
with the seal when I did my timing belt, et al.  When I got to the main
seal, it was apparent it was not leaking, and that the valve cover was
leaking, but dribbling down the front of the engine and exiting the timing
belt cover were one might think a front main seal leak might exit.

However, I was prepared to: drill some small holes into the metal part of
the seal, and use a slide hammer connected to a small sheet metal screw to
work out the seal by working all the holes.  I believe I have a large socket
that would serve to seat the new seal.

BTW the slide hammer I have screws into the tensioner pulley, and pulls it
right out.  It's a cheap slide hammer from Harbor Freight.  Go figure that
the pulley and the slide hammer have the same thread.  Lucky break!

As I recall, you are more-or-less local to Woodinville, WA.  If that's true
and if you wish, and I can get free, I can come over and lend moral support
when you do your timing belt.

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq