IH 1450 Front oil leak
 

Is it a common problem amongst the K321 engine to have an oil leak at the front crank seal under the PTO? I'm working on a 1450 for a friend and there is a generous amount of oil that has leaked out from somewhere on the front of the engine and coated the whole area. I'm thinking front crank seal? I did degrease the engine, but now I need to run it again to see where it may be leaking. Am I on the right track or are there other areas in the front of the engine that are more prone to oil leaks?

Thank you from a first time poster,

Greg M

(A) You are on the right track, and (B) no more of a problem than anything else. These engines are about 40 yrs old.

:Welcome2:

I had a lot of oil saturated dirt around the engine in my 149 when I picked it up. Turns out it was the cam gear cover and breather gaskets leaking. Of course, this was on the side of the engine, but the oil seemed to go everywhere. But it wouldn't be surprising to discover leaking crankshaft seals either.

1450
 

Had the same find on the cam cover, was my problem

Pretty common problem. Just did a seal on my 1650. Not hard to do. Good idea to put some sealant on the outer diameter of the seal so it stays put in the bore.

:Welcome2:

Speaking of seal replacement, can you describe your approach/process? how do you avoid marring the shaft when removing the old seal, or do you dis-assemble the engine?

Engine seals are pretty easy to remove and replace. Those seals are made of a thin metal outer ring that provides a friction fit to the engine and also an inner ring of rubber that the shaft turns on but provides a seal to keep the oil inside the engine. In my opinion they are designed to wear out and not mar or wear the crankshaft. My last replacement was on a command 20 engine and once the pto was removed at the engine, the seal was so worn it nearly fell out. I was prepared to either puncture the seal through the rubber and pull it out that way or to drill a small hole in the metal ring and insert a screw to pull it out that way. If I recall correctly the instructions stated to mount the new seal till it is just flush with the front of the shaft channel and to use a gasket type sealant around the outer edge of the new seal before putting it in. The new seal can be easily put in using an appropriate size socket and just tapping it in with a hammer being very careful not to dent the new seal. This procedure can be used anywhere you have seals, even in the rearend and axles.

OK, that makes sense. I've replaced grease seals in my car brake drums and in boat trailer hubs, but I've always driven them out from behind, through the hub. Wondered what the best way to do them from the front was. I like the drive a screw through the metal face idea.

Thanks for all the fast replies! I'll let you know what turns out.