Oil seals are located around the input and output shafts of the crankshaft, and stop oil from leaking out. Their failure can cause a mess and could also cause engine damage if enough oil leaks out. For the replacement of the rear seal, start by removing the chute gear box support bracket by removing the clip holding the chute control rod, then removing the rod itself. Next, remove the pin on the support bracket and pull out the pin. Remove any nuts securing the gear box, then remove the gear box and chute. Remove the bolts securing the belt cover, and then remove the belt. Release the drive belt idler pulley tension spring, then remove the bolts securing the gear box support bracket, and finally remove the bracket.
Next, remove all the covers and heat shrouds around the engine. Remove all knobs on the cover. Remove the starter switch box,...
Oil seals are located around the input and output shafts of the crankshaft, and stop oil from leaking out. Their failure can cause a mess and could also cause engine damage if enough oil leaks out. For the replacement of the rear seal, start by removing the chute gear box support bracket by removing the clip holding the chute control rod, then removing the rod itself. Next, remove the pin on the support bracket and pull out the pin. Remove any nuts securing the gear box, then remove the gear box and chute. Remove the bolts securing the belt cover, and then remove the belt. Release the drive belt idler pulley tension spring, then remove the bolts securing the gear box support bracket, and finally remove the bracket.
Next, remove all the covers and heat shrouds around the engine. Remove all knobs on the cover. Remove the starter switch box, if your unit has electric start. Remove the fuel line on the back of the primer bulb and disconnect the wires on the back of the key or stop switch. Remove the fuel line on the tank, making sure you have something to catch the fuel. Remove the tank. Remove the blower housing. Next, remove the flywheel and starter cup mounting nut with a socket wrench and pipe wrench, holding the output shaft on the opposite end of the engine. Remove the starter cup and fan blade, then tap the flywheel with a mallet to loosen, then pry the flywheel off the engine. Remove the alternator, if equipped. Use a 1/8 bit to drill a hole into the oil seal, then screw in a small screw. Next, use pliers to pull on the screw to remove the old seal. You should then apply a thin layer of oil to the outside of the new seal, then fully seal the new seal inside the engine block. Use a socket big enough to make contact with the oil seal or a piece of plastic pipe, and tap it evenly into place with a mallet.
Reinstall the alternator, making sure the keyway is installed on the crankshaft and facing the 3 o’clock position. Reinstall the flywheel. Reinstall the fan blade and starter cup, and tighten down using a socket and the pipe wrench. If necessary at this point, you can realign the ignition module by rotating the magnets away from the module, then loosening the bolts. Pull the module back and retighten. Install a business card between the module and flywheel, then rotate the flywheel magnets to the module. Loosen the bolts and the magnets will pull the module into place, then retighten the bolts. Remove the business card. Reinstall the blower housing, making sure to reinstall any grounding wires under the bolts. Reinstall the fuel tank tight. Reinstall the starter switch control box retainer. Reconnect the fuel line to the fuel tank and re-clamp. Reinstall the control panel, hooking back up the primer bulb fuel line and wires to any stop keys or ignition switches. Reinstall the lower switch box screw. Reinstall the knobs onto the control panel. Reinstall any covers and heat shrouds around the engine. Next, reinstall the gear box support bracket. Reapply the tension on the drive belt and reinstall the cover. Reinstall the gear box and chute using the pin and retaining clip. Make sure the holes in the gear box coupler are facing straight up with the chute facing forward. Also ensure that the chute control lever is in the one o’clock position, then reinstall the rod.
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