Michael Stephenson

Question: Do I need to remove the big aluminum covers to the balance shafts and the crank to replace the seals or do I do all of the work with them on?

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Trying to replace the front seals today. The belts, back cover, gears. water pump, etc. are off the car.

My seal kit from Paragon has a ton of seals, rubbers washers, etc.

Clark's and other procedures are not clear on this.

Thanks in advance.

Bryan

I don't think you need to remove the balance shaft covers to replace the front balance shaft seals. The front seal and bearing are inside an aluminum piece that comes off separate from the covers. I recommend replacing the seal, the little almost-invisible-mylar-thing, and the front bearing/bushing if you want the balance shafts to stop leaking. If you do end up taking off the balance shaft covers, replace the rear bearing, the o-ring at the back, and use Loctite 571 when you put the cover back on.

The front seal is in the oil pump. If you're this far in anyway, take off the oil pump, clean it up, replace the front seal and the oil pump sleeve, and use 571 again when you re-install it.

Don't go overboard with the 571 - just a thin layer on the sealing surface.

Bryan

Michael Stephenson

Thanks.

I can not find locktite 571 or 270, only permatex stuff.

how do 571 and 207 compare with generics?

Dave951M

If you're doing the front seals, you're only a step away from replacing the O ring on the balance shaft housing. It also can leak and cause problems. The front of the balance shaft housing can be taken off fairly easily and most seal kits include the O rings. There is also one on the distributor housing as well. Don't forget the mylar washers. Another item on the "while I'm in there" list.