Hyundai Repair: 2000 Sonata V6 crank seal leak, oil pump housing, thrust bearings

Question
I have a 2000 Sonata (2.5L V6) that keeps popping front crankshaft seals out of the oil pump housing? Upon the first inspection of the oil leak, once the crank pulley was removed I could see that the seal was rubbing on the backside of the crank pulley? I replaced the seal and it happened again within one week. I then checked the crankshaft endplay and it is worn outside of specs ( .003"-.010" ). I have @.055" of endplay. My question is how can the seal move almost 1/4" if the endplay is much less? I am wondering if a short term fix might be to replace the oil pump in case it is causing pressure to redirect into the seal itself?? Have you experienced this before?? Thx for some input!

Answer
While .055" endplay is far outside specifications, I wouldn't think it would be enough to push out the crank seal.  My guess is that when the engine is running, the end play is actually much greater, but while off, there are other factors preventing you from moving it that far.

Any way you slice this, you're in need of major engine work.  Endplay of this magnitude indicates there's a problem with the crankshaft thrust bearings.  Replacing the oil pump won't stop the crank from pushing out the seal.  In all likelihood, the block and crankshaft are already damaged.  I've seen this issue on several 2.0 engines in 2005 model year vehicles, but never in the 2.5 V6.  Of course, I don't know how many miles are on your engine.  It's possible it's just worn from use.