Petrol engines aircooled - Crankshaft oil seal

By: Anthony & Lee Carey

Introduction

Due to unwanted oil stains on the front drive it was decided to change the crankshaft and gearbox oil seals. Encouraged by comments on this site how relatively easy the engine and gearbox were to remove, we pressed ahead.

Here is a brief record of the experience illustrated with pictures which I hope maybe of use to others who are tempted to have a go. Before attempting please ensure that the engine battery is isolated and that the van is secured. Safety must be paramount and all things are attempted at your own risk. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Cost of components

Approx. £70 total(not including hire of hoist)

Crank shaft oil seal from VWHeritage.com (Genuine VW component), also felt washer and flywheel ‘O’ ring
Gear box seal, Blue Hylomar adhesive from GSF
Engine oil from Halfords
Gearbox oil Screwfix
Clutch alignment tool (Draper) £13 approx
Clutch slave cylinder from EBay £25 approx

Detaching major components

CV joint secured with 6mm allen bolts, remove with allen key with socket drive, (available from Halfords). Sometimes 12 point spline bolts are used.

Engine removal

CV joint disconnected, should be covered with a plastic bag and tied up out of the way.

Starter motor and solenoid wires removed, this also allows the lead to the alternator to be unplugged and removed.

Clutch slave cylinder mounting. My cylinder was leaking, with the rubber boot full of fluid. I decided to replace the cylinder, obtained on EBay for £25 approx.

Clutch slave cylinder pipe arrangement, remove pipe clamp from side of gearbox.

Clutch slave cylinder removed. Note shortened 13mm spanner still in place used to hold cylinder mounting bolt. The two tinware screws are removed to allow hand access from top of the engine bay (the tinware at the rear of the engine bay can be bent forward allowing a hand to be inserted to hold the spanner).

Recovering clutch slave cylinder, note pipe clipped with Mole grips to prevent fluid loss.