PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - 1980 W116 300SD OM617 Front Crank Seal Replacement

Squiggle Dog · #4 02-10-2013, 12:13 AM

Excuse the blurry photo; I forgot I had my camera under the car when I hosed off the engine! The crank seal is now visible.

A seal puller is supposed to work well, but I used a screwdriver to pry out the seal--just make sure to not score any machined surfaces.

There is a spacer ring that rides between the crank and seal. It is a replaceable wear item and should be replaced every time the seal is replaced. I have heard that these should come off with your fingers. This did not work. I also tried prying from each side simultaneously with a screwdriver. This also didn't work. I had to resort to drastic measures and remove the upper seal cover. I split the seal ring apart from the sprocket by hammering a screwdriver between them, then rotating the crank and prying around circumference with larger and larger screwdrivers until it came off. It was a struggle the entire way.

My spacer ring had a deep groove cut into it from the crank seal. It wouldn't have sealed well even with a brand new seal in place; too much material was missing.

I protected the inside of the engine from debris by placing a plastic bag in the opening as I cleaned the mounting surface. Changing the oil is not necessary if you are very careful, but planning this right before a scheduled oil change is a good idea.