G'day folks,

I've just finished changing the front crankshaft seal on my 1981 W123 300D...

I followed the instructions on the DIY links on this site and all seemed to be well - the plastic cup special tool worked a treat.

However, as the upper oil pan is not perfectly aligned with the block it was very difficult getting the seal to fit. It went in - in the end - but the outside of the seal ripped. I've finished the job and so far there is no leak but I guess it won't last for ever!

So here is the question - is it a good idea to loosen the bolts on the upper oil pan and re-align it so there is no longer a misalignment of about 0.5mm (before fitting another front crankshaft seal)?

I guess I'm most likely to replace one leak with another - but you never know perhaps someone else has had this trouble and has done a fix before?

Here are some pictures that if you look carefully show the badly aligned joint.

Thanks in advance for any advice you may give.

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