spaulmiller

My girl has a 1979 Fairmont Squire "Woody" wagon, with a 302. The front main seal (actually known as the crankshaft seal, isn't it?) is blown, and i need to replace it. Can anyone with the knowledge of how to complete this task from start to finish help me? Only the main steps (remove oil pan and loosen harmonic balancer and so on...) and any pieces that need to be done in certain ways or order so as to not damage something, are actually needed. I am fairly familiar with this motor, having already replaced the valve cover gaskets, the fuel pump, the EGR valve, the water pump, etc., but this is, from what I'm given to understand, a bit more complex a repair than what I've done on it, to date. Thank you. and Happy Holidays!

jwko

Happy Holidays!

Remove the harmonic balancer & remove the timing chain cover. You will probably have to lower the front of the oil pan a little to R&R the cover. Drive out old seal drive in new. Make sure the area where the seal rides on the balancer is smooth & has not cut a ridge, if it has get a repair sleeve.

I've heard of people replacing the seal with the timing chain cover on but not for sure if it can be done with the 302

spaulmiller

Thanks so much...sounds like I was misinformed, at least to the extent that this does not seem to be any more difficult than the other repairs I've done. Hope everyone's New Year is bright!

jwko

Forgot to mention, while you have the cover off would be a good time to change out the timing chain.