Hi everyone, I bought an SKP front cover, which has an oil seal installed already. The part number on it says “R-ERR-6490” which is close to “ERR-6490” (the regular number).

However, someone told me they’d bought the same SKP part that had this seal and it leaked badly. I don’t want to have that issue, but I don’t know if replacing this seal requires special tools. In the past, someone told me to use a Corteco seal. I’d rather do that now than when the cover is installed (not sure how easy that is without pulling the cover off).

Does anyone else know if this seal is OK or what I’d need to do to install the Corteco seal instead?

 

Are you replacing the front cover yourself?

 

Yes, I'm replacing it myself.

 

The seal is super simple to swap out. Just use a wooden dowel and mallet to push it out from behind. A seal puller works great for getting it out from the front (https://amzn.to/3qzErcM). To reinstall, just use a socket or pvc pipe that fits the rigid ring portion (not the flappy seal part) and tap it in till it seats.

And if I were you, yeah, throw a Corteco in there beforehand if you’re not in a rush to get the project wrapped up.

 

Thanks, I ordered the Corteco part - figured I might as well be sure the right part is in there. I'll try to do this using the first method and see how it goes. I appreciate the help!

 

I'd have just installed it with the seal already in it. Usually if it's leaking it'll be from wear on the crankshaft (a grove or multiple groves). I've never really had a new seal ever give me issues no matter what brand. It all depends on the crankshaft surface condition.

 

Thank you - I think I probably got scared into spending another $20, but from what I understand, the Corteco seal is a good one and if it helps even just a bit with leaking or by lasting longer that’ll be worth it to me. I’ll be sure to install the new one with silicone. What sort of grease do you need to use on the inside of the seal?

 

Mine leaked like crazy but it was the grooves on the balancer shaft. Check that and if it has any visible wear I would go straight to a speedi-sleev. You can try to knock the seal in further to miss the groove but thats hard to line up.

 

I wouldn't use silicone but that's just me. Land Rover doesn't recommend it. A new seal installed dry never leaked for me so far.

If you feel you need to use some kind of lubricant on the seal install, just use Vaseline.