1998 Ford Escort FRONT CRANKSHAFT SEAL

WENDY92

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT

Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Ford Escort 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

What is the easiest way to change the crankshaft seal or front oil seal on an 1998 ford escort. What do I have to take off to get to it? The engine is a 2.0 and it is a single cam.

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

CRANKSHAFT FRONT OIL SEAL
Removal
Remove timing belt. See TIMING BELT . Remove crankshaft sprocket. Using Seal Remover (T92C-6700-CH), remove oil seal.
Installation
Apply engine oil to NEW oil seal. Using Seal Installer (T81P-6700-A), install NEW oil seal. Ensure seal is fully seated. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
TIMING BELT
Removal
CAUTION:DO NOT rotate crankshaft or camshafts with timing belt removed; damage to valve/piston may result.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove accessory drive belt and tensioner. Remove timing cover. Raise and support vehicle. Remove right hand splash guard. Remove crankshaft pulley. Align timing marks. See Fig. 4 . Loosen timing belt tensioner. Using an 8-mm Allen wrench, turn tensioner 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Insert 1/8" drill bit to lock tensioner in place. See Fig. 5 . Remove timing belt.
Installation
Install timing belt. Remove drill bit and tighten tensioner bolt. Rotate engine 2 revolutions clockwise. Recheck timing marks. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
Fig. 4: Aligning Crankshaft & Camshaft Timing Marks
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fig. 5: Identifying Timing Belt Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.