HOW-TO Replace A Lawnmower Crankshaft Seal

[@danielrobert7181]

Showing a "plan B" to remove the old seal provides invaluable information to us, weekend mechanics. Thank you very much Dony !

[@BenG123]

Big thanks for this. Found a curbside mower with no oil and added some. Ran perfectly thought I was in the money. Next day a pool of oil appeared. Figured out I needed to do this and watched your video closely. Getting it out was a bitch, new one went in nice. Back in action. Thanks!!!

[@harvewaff2251]

Thanks!

[@donyboy73]

Thank you for your support!

[@99carnot]

Very helpful. Thanks for the information. When I need to tilt a mower on its side, I try to put the engine at the top of its compression stroke so the valves are closed. Have a good weekend!

[@johnschreier8150]

Great video. The only comment that I would add is to tape over any groove or keyway. They can cut a seal when going across them.

[@donyboy73]

Great idea!

[@augustbell4766]

When my dad told me about that method of removing the ring I was like no way. Watched you do it and did it myself. Thanks.

[@freddiejohnson3936]

Yes it's seems everyone is asking questions about what the spring is for now we know Thanks to this video this guy is good at this

[@jamesmullins3219]

good video. uncommon repair in today's "throw away world"

[@Razzman70]

Came here looking on how to replace mine because our "new" secondhand mower runs out of oil 1/3 of the way through the lawn. Girlfriend has told me multiple times just to get a new mower, while I'm looking at fixes that cost a fraction of the price.

[@alrui]

OUTSTANDING video, I would have thought the motor would have to be removed and the crank cover removed but thats not the case which is awesome news:-)

[@MrRafboy]

Same...was sure you'd have to strip the engine.i like small engine repairs

[@dylanshabtai4554]

Doesn't the Aviation gasket maker kinda glue the oil seal in place? Will it be harder to remove in the future? Also, why do you like to use it?

[@aurthordog]

Thank you....so few videos are as informative as yours in short time. I have a background in most of this just not that seal. Kudos my friend.

[@robcole332]

I know this is an old video and you might not see this but your the only other person I know of that puts that aviation permatex on the outside of seals. It works great

[@larryjohns8823]

Yep, my dad was an aviation mechanic - taught me how useful that stuff is!

[@RoRo-mz5xv]

Dony sei molto competente si impara molto dai tuoi tutoriyal grazie

[@gregt6587]

Did I miss something? A circlip was removed, and does not appear to have been an integral part of the seal itself...so that the new installation takes place apart from having replaced it. I assume it serves some function, especially if it was "On" the crankshaft in some groove. Probably to keep shaft in proper vertical positioning between clips at top and bottom?

[@jasonbrowne7057]

Greg, you shouldn't see the circlip on the new crankshaft seal, it only comes loose from the old seal occasionally if damaged on the way out.

[@deanmoore3776]

Awesome job what I do is clean it like you do spray it with carburetor cleaner then take a piece of tape and put it over the keyway holes so you don’t damage the seal it’s just a little added insurance so you don’t damage the seal

[@miketruckermike292]

Donny what will make a Briggs 3.5 HP not turn the motor to start Its seems to be locked up. I have checked to engine brake and it's working properly . I remove to valves and spark plugs rope still will not turn the motor. Have oil leaking at the shaft onto the blade. I'm am lost as to what it could be I can turn the motor with the blade or a by the nut in the flywheel but its real tight

[@gerrygeiger8183]

Hi Dony, Love your videos. I replaced the crank seal and realized that wasn't the problem. I have a leak at the support rib of the housing (tiny). What could I fix this with? Epoxy or silicone?? Thanks Gerry Maybe I could send you a picture, not sure how though.

[@gerrygeiger8183]

Any suggestions are appreciated guys

[@redneckbryon]

Anti seize on the blade adapter is also a good idea.

[@markparee99]

Wait....where does that 'old spring' come from at 3:15. And where is the 'new spring'? Otherwise, very helpful video.

[@DeepSpaceDad]

It's part of the old seal

[@davedennis6042]

Thanks Doc. You're the best.

[@sloppyredneck4891]

thanks for a no bs instructional, I'm changing a seal similar to this on a four-wheeler

[@davidchizek8760]

I was told to not use the form-a-gasket sealer on theses seals by a reputable local small engine shop. They said it can leach into the bearing. Thoughts? Thanks

[@vn708]

Great Video! I hit a rock pretty hard and my crankshaft seal is now leaking. I did notice that my seal isn't flush but quite severally pushed into the shaft seat. Could that be a cause for the engine vibrating more than usual? Thanks for the help!

[@brandonupchurch7628]

Your crankshaft is probably bent

[@dicko-200]

same here, new mower

[@RatKindler]

Great timing for this video. I've got to replace a seal on a 1979 Lawn Boy soon.

[@geogeduggan6579]

Good job. Do you have a video that shows how to remove deck bolts connected to sump pump case without cracking it ?

[@truthstartshere.9214]

Donny ,what should be the part # for the same ring , bit for a Craftsman mower with a front wheel drive assist? Thanks I've had to add oil every time I mow. shes burning up to, so I gotta change it an put maybe some Lucas oil in , at 1/3rd to its regular oil specs . I want it a little thicker to help it stay cool do you think that will help . Thanks donyboy, hope the wife is doing well this winter but it almost over lol .!!

[@robertwilliams3983]

Do you know if that part number will work on a b&s 163cc?

[@larryjohns8823]

One bit of caution: Using a drill bit, if you slip any you can damage/nick the shaft right where the seal rides!!! Best to use a punch or nail to make that hole!

[@aleblanc3547]

Simple and quick. Thanks Dony.

[@voteclassicprogressivelibe2726]

Heya donyboy...I got an issue with a mower I got. It runs fine when starting up. But when it gets "hot" it starts to surge. I cleaned the carb several times. Made sure all the gaskets are good. The spark plug is also good as well as the air filter. Beyond this what are the usual suspects? thx.

[@fitzyholden1036]

And don't tilt it over to the carby side. Air filter gets a bit saturated with oil.

[@vanover69]

great video as always!...I have a issue I hope you can help me with. I have a Honda GX390 on a generator. I replaced the crankcase shaft oil seal as it was leaking. I installed the new seal flush with the engine case. After running for awhile it started leaking again. I thought the seal needed to be counter sunk a bit so I replaced it again. And after running for a short time it has started leaking again. Im not sure where to go from here. Both times replacing the seal I used steelwool to clean the shaft and it seems smooth with no defects. Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance

[@55chevytruck]

rebuilt my 21hp B$S last winter and have cut several acres and everything seemed fine. Cam out to day and the oil is all over the ground. could this be a breather issue?

[@dfields9511]

Very helpful video, I had to replace crankshaft seal in a Tecumseh Lev195ea. I did not have aviation gasket maker so I used high temperature Red RTV by permatex. I will update with the results in 1-2 days

[@nicholasvanderford87]

I wish I would have seen this video sooner. Just finished replacing mine yesterday. It would have been good to know how to do it.😂

[@mariobranco123]

Thx Dony !

[@27613James]

My Tecumseh engine has a stepped shaft, I ruined one new seal when installing. I made a sleeve to protect the new seal using plastic from soda bottle, cut a small sheet and wrapped it around the shaft and taped it tight, like a soda straw. Lubed it up and the new seal slides over the plastic and is not damaged by the step on the shaft.

[@isaiaslivemusica8788]

good video, what is the name of the plastic cover under the flywheel thats conected to the carb... I think mine leaks from there

[@jasonbrowne7057]

There are 2 crankshaft seals, one at the top of the motor ( Flysheel end, and another at the output end ( blades )

[@cherokeefiddler]

Good video! I'm curious about the spring you removed behind the old seal. Does the new seal have a spring inside of it and what is the purpose of the spring? Many thanks. I enjoy your channel.

[@hillard1982]

The new seal has a spring also

[@richardfay8298]

cherokeefiddler - The spring holds the rubber inner ring portion of the seal against the shaft to help prevent oil loss.

[@cherokeefiddler]

Thank you!

[@hillard1982]

Richard is absolutely correct

[@alfries9736]

I love this guys videos and I find them relaxing and I learn something each time,

[@bernardinorayo3938]

Hey dony boy i got a question i have a troy bilt pressure washer is a 3000 psi it needs a pump,do you think is going be ok if i install 2700 psi pump on it ?

[@greygoosemafia]

Well that was an interesting watch. have you tried the harbor freight wire wheels for drills?

[@DaBossk]

I'm to lazy to check my engine number... Do you think a mower with that same flathead 4-4.5hp Briggs from like the year 2003 uses the same part number you used?

[@DaBossk]

update it was indeed the correct seal for my flathead briggs from like 20 years ago! It was leaking like a son of a biscuit and now it is leak free. Thanks for the video dony, It only took 2 drywall screw attempts before coming out

[@petrukgareng]

good job donyboy

[@randydehetre1]

The replacement spring comes inside of the groove of the replacement seal. Correct?

[@ofirdrach5054]

Thanks for the video! at 3:28 you can see 2 "chips" at 2 an 11 o'clock of the shaft. are those the oil drain bach to the crank or something to inspect before putting the new seal in?

[@donyboy73]

yes but it won't affect anything in this case and no leaks

[@lisaespinales4972]

What is the name of the plate that turns the blade

[@ОлегБ-л8м]

It's very helpful to know. Thank's.

[@geojor]

always informative ...

[@mr1pearl]

Will the mower vibrate if the seals bad or is that a bearing ?

[@donyboy73]

bearing or bushing

[@mr1pearl]

@@donyboy73 Not sure it leaks so I'm sure the seals is bad but vibrates . Blade is good and shaft is straight ?

[@christopherwilliams8488]

I have a 5.5 craftsman eager-1 and leaks gas as soon as I fill it,leaks past the primer area all the way out the filter. any suggestions?

[@freddiejohnson3936]

What's about that's spring is it made on to the crankshaft seals i noticed that you pull a spring out after you remove the crankshaft seals, anyway nice video

[@freddiejohnson3936]

Alex Ok Thanks

[@2aminitials]

The spring applies tension to the inner diameter of the seal which holds the the lip of the seal "tighter" to the crankshaft. One tip that is handy is to pack the back side of the seal where the spring lives with grease. That can help prevent the spring from popping out as you drive in the new seal.

[@roy4410]

if you grease the inside of the seal it will hold the spring in so it does come out when you hit it

[@donyboy73]

thanks for the tip

[@ButterNoToast]

My mower shaft is leaking and also vibrating. Does this seal going bad causes the vibration? The shift isn’t bent. I purchased this mower new and doesn’t have much use. Out of warranty

[@tinkergene]

Your blade may be out of balance - causing the seal to leak - check the balance on the blade and see what happens - “ dry-fit “ the seal first to see if you have a little friction between the seal and the shaft - hopefully there is no “ wobble “ between the shaft and the bushing / bearing on the mower .

[@J8ck_hoff]

Would a bad crank seal cause oil to get in air filter ? I have a pressure washer that leaks oil somewhere and I noticed some oil in air filter.

[@donyboy73]

it could but usually not unless it's a large leak

[@J8ck_hoff]

donyboy73 I wonder what it is then there was oil on top of pressure pump so I assume it was leaking and the gaskets all look dry it's two years old maybe 10 hours of use. I put some silicone on the seal to see if it stops the leak I can't find the part number for seal.

[@josephfenton7432]

If the engine is needing a rebuild and had a lot of blow by (exhaust gases bypassing rings) then it could pump oil through the crankcase breather and into the carburator and filter. Same also happens if over filled with oil or tipped over

[@donz6901]

Great informative video as usual.

[@davidhale252]

Great have a Tecumseh that needs one. Video very helpful.

[@1611K_J_B]

Thanks I need to go his to mine now

[@johnmilner7603]

I’ve never had to do this yet even on my oldest mower from Canadian Tire which I bought in 1983. They don’t build them like they used to.

[@ds10363]

I ran over a piece of metal in my yard with my push mower and it killed the engine. Then when I restart the mower it starts fine but after it warms up it starts leaking oil onto the top of the deck and smokes really badly. Any idea what might be causing this?

[@warddan2002]

Dony, another great video. Thank you. Can you tell me what brand of bearing/pulley puller you use? It seems more hefty than most I see on the market. Also, for small engine repair, what size depth of puller would be a minimum for you? I'm considering buying a Posi-loc puller because they seem much more robust than others on the market, but the five inch depth one goes for $125USD and it's a three jaw puller, not two. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@paulbillings1791]

warddan2002 most chain auto parts stores have a specialized tool loan program. AutoZone,Oriley's ect. Pay a deposit,use the tool,return it and get your deposit back.

[@frankmcgorman962]

I'm trying to do this for a self-propelled mower. The drive pulley seems to be firmly seized to the shaft. I built a puller to fit snuggly around the shaft and pulley. I've applied heat and penetrating oil, and it is still stuck. Any tips for removing it without destroying it?

[@donyboy73]

if you can heat without damaging other parts it would help if not you will have to sacrifice it

[@frankmcgorman962]

Thanks!

[@frankmcgorman962]

I applied as much heat as I had, but eventually had to sacrifice the pulley. I got a replacement from a fellow in my neighbourhood that does small engine repair, much like yourself. Replaced the crankseal, crankcase gasket (the biggest leak, and had to make that by hand), gapped the exhaust valve (lots of fun there) and put it all back together. Runs and starts pretty much like it was new. Thanks for your advice, Dony. Cheers!

[@Fakeus]

Thanks Donyboy73

[@redskool8498]

awsome don ... wish you could show us a vid with certain problems with briggs engines from canada .. have a good weekend .. †

[@jaylandry8915]

Don do one for an old 2 stroke lawn boy!

[@joepruneda2263]

Dang dony u made me wake up. But thanks very valuable info thanks again

[@robertclark4929]

Can you replace the seal on a vertical riding mower engine without removing engine?

[@donyboy73]

YES

[@toddfrazier3844]

I just had this happen to my 8hp Toro tractor. How do I determine which seal I need

[@mikegrandinette6253]

I like that old toro in the background.

[@andrewburn9226]

would that fit 35 classic

[@channingburke7092]

Good video

[@LASTSAGI888]

Your the man thank you

[@semco72057]

That is nice to know and I have one mower which I need to overhaul and probably will have to replace the seal on the mower.

[@ncrdisabled]

Thanks a lot I have a craftsman 6,75 hp that has the link I will order the new part .

[@mickymcfarts5792]

What if I just want to get the crank case off?

[@watermanone7567]

Thanks for the great video's.

[@deme7063]

top shelf whiskey?

[@awesomesauce3938]

I read in a manual 400 in-lbs for a blade similar to that

[@LLStacheLarry]

Great video.

[@Talachachannel]

Good job...

[@JohnDoe-mp1zk]

impressive!

[@PapaMav]

Should show removing the plug wire, for safety's sake.

[@unfundedopportunities7278]

Wow, a drain plug!!

[@BrucesShop]

Good video sir. I just has some Keyboard Commando's tell me to change one. (I didn't as it didn't leak)

[@MrTonyharrell]

Someone hit a big rock and bent the crankshaft, that's usually why they leak.

[@johnschreier8150]

Disagree, string or twine wrapped around the shaft can eat-up the seal.

[@ns671fr]

Rare to change those seals, usually the shaft is not sealing or the sump is cracked

[@sethc5924]

I need serious help anybody I have a poulan pro ppbp30 I have just bought a new carb put fresh gas new spark plug and I still won't start I only got it to run once and it died right after I adjusted the choke. I am pretty sure it's not the fuel filter. I know it's getting spark and fuel. I looked every where for a piston and cylinder kit. If anybody can help i would be very appreciative.

[@tellmesomething2go]

We wanted to see the shaft, again, with the repair.

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Part number please ?

[@pyratebruce]

very nice

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

Yep, good video.

[@WV591]

if only i had watched this 5 minutes earlier, i wouldn't have to chase all over town looking for a second new seal after screwing up one.

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hello nice technique with aviation gasket compound. Little more security.

[@josekanucee1428]

typically these leak due to a bent shaft

[@spelunkerd]

That safety glass advice when using a wire wheel is no joke. Just like fragments of wire are found coming off of barbecue brushes, they are also coming off of wire wheels. Something about the way these are made in China is causing bits of metal to fly off. I have seen wire wheels nearly disintegrate because of poor manufacturing, and those little bits of metal end up everywhere.

[@jeanclaudevandam4974]

You safety people piss me off. lol. He knows what he is doing.

[@DeliciousBass01]

Would someone actually pay for this repair on this kind of mower? You can buy this in the states for ~$100

[@grumpyone4115]

Some people, myself among them, prefer to resist today's throwaway mentality.

[@DeliciousBass01]

grumpy one I also resist throw away, but this mower and engine is very entry level. I wouldn't spend the time to fix something so cheap

[@LSJUAN]

U forgot to remove the spark plug wire for safety reasons. A little surprised because you're always on top of safety

[@558vulcanxh]

Try 35 ft pounds, I have the figure somewhere and can remember it 👍😊

[@umajunkcollector]

piece of cake, or pie