dacula951

I'm trying to remove the upper balance shaft seal carrier on my 86 951 to replace the o-ring behind it. I've searched high and low and everything seems to suggest that it should pop right off after the 3 bolts are removed. I already have the woodruf key, seal and sleeve removed. With the 3 bolts removed, the seal carrier housing turns very easily but will not move at all toward the front of the car when I try to pull it off. I'm having the same problem with the lower balance seal housing. I'm thinking there must be something I'm missing. Thanks in advance for any help.

Zero10

If it turns, it's ready to come off.... it's just not easy.
Took some serious effort to pry the one off of my 951.

You did remove the woodruff key and everything in front of the housing, right?

dacula951

Yes, I have everything removed in front of the housing. I just don't understand why I would have to pry it off. Doesn't the seal carrier just have a circular end with an o-ring around it that fits in to a bore in the block/balance shaft cover? It is turning real easy so the o-ring is not stuck and I know that the balance shaft isn't providing any resistance because as I pull on the seal carrier I can move the shaft back and forth. What is still holding that needs prying? Thanks.

Ski

use two flat screwdrivers and use on opposing tabs, work it around. That o-ring has been in there for some time, it is rubber based instead of good nibril, it has expanded a bit over time - just have to get it to move out.

potent951turbo

Yeah, it just takes a little prying. Like Ski said, its been in there a long time and has expanded.

Zero10

Isn't it frustrating? I felt the same way.
You have to pry it off. Even better is trying to install the new one without tearing/twisting/displacing it. Use a light coat of oil on the new one and it will come off easily.

The reason it is turning so nicely is usually because the O-ring is stuck to the outside, and the carrier is spinning on the inside of the O-ring.

dacula951

Yes, it is frustrating. Sounds like there must be a groove that the o-ring partially sits in. I guess I'll find out what it looks like after I pry if off tonight. Many thanks for all the feedback.

dacula951

Got them off last night with a little prying. I guess I was initally afraid to pry on it because I couldn't imagine what was holding it and I thought I must have been missing something. Thanks again!

Zero10

No problem.
There's no groove, just years of sitting in the same place and heat cycling made it stick.