So, I took apart the front end of my engine today (VG30E) to get to the front seal. So, took off the belts, timing belt covers, crank pulley, etc...and I couldn't get to it! I'm assuming it's behind the the crankshaft timing sprocket. Is this where it is? And how do I get that sprocket off?

 

if you want to take the crankshaft pulley off, you will need a puller tool. they are relatively inexpensive at the auto parts store, and are the only tool you need for the job. just be sure that you get the right size puller for this pulley. i believe the puley is roughly 6 inches in diameter.

damn. i really should read these better. looks like you already have the cpulley off. what seal are you looking for?

 

It should just 'slide' out. Are u still w/o manual? why?

 

I have a chilton's. It just says, "pry the seal off" after the step with removing the timing cover.

The crankshaft timing sprocket seems to be press-fit in. I can't get a puller on it because there is less than 1mm or so of space between it and the plate behind it. I couldn't get it to budge...

It it the front crank seal. I believe it sits just behind the crankshaft timing sprocket. Is that where it sits? Or am I terribly confused?

 

Chiltons will get u conFused. Check out the LINKS*1 on my web page to get smtg better... -94 is valid...

Give the sprocket WD-40 or similar, liberally. Some light hitting with plastic/wooden block. Some Heat. Seal is behind it.

Still it should come out nice after the round flat 'crank pulley plate = belt guide' is negotiated out.

*1 See for page EM-11

 

do what Wiking says by addin' some WD-40 and since u can't get the sprocket to budge get 2 flat head screw drivers one on each side and just pry off easily and it should move out towards u. i am currently doin' this to my VG motor as well on a jack stand and will be installin' both front and rear main seals then droppin' it into my '93 since my '89 is usin' my '93 motor. but good luck on removin' the sprocket. it will come off eventually.

 

VG motor...you need to release tension on the T-belt...then brute strength pull the crankshaft timing sproket off. most are rusted on the crank. i had to split mine in 1/2 to get the crankshaft sproket off.

 

You said you removed the crankshaft pulley, right (and made sure you removed the key that aligns the pulley)? That means you have the end of crankshaft sticking out of the "plate" attached to block. That plate is your oil pump. The oil pump has the front main seal built into it. Unless you really don't want to cough up the $2-5 for the oil pump gasket, $10 for the U-gaskets for the oil pan, and $4 for high temperature RTV sealant, I'd remove it (carefully, mind you). You have to remove the oil pan to get the oil pump off. If your VG30E has seen a lot of miles you may want to perform this extra step anyway. The U-gaskets I removed from Engine #2 were in sad condition.

Removing the oil pump, makes removing the seal easier. You can also then use a feeler gauge to test the condition of the pump. You should also inspect the debris collected at the bottom of the pan to see some tell-tale problems with your engine. And, by the way, if you do remove the seal - take EXTRA TIME replacing it. You won't find out if you've done it right until AFTER you re-install everything, fire up the motor and get it hot. #2 required two tries to get everything right.