QuestionQUESTION: John, I have a 3.5 HP Tecumseh lawn mower engine (143.424052) that is 15 years old and runs great, but when I took it out this season I noticed oil on the blade, blade adapter, and crankshaft as well as some oil on the concrete below the mower. I have never had this mower leak oil before so I am guessing that the main oil seal needs to be replaced. I removed the blade adapter with a gear puller and am wondering if I can replace the seal without taking the engine off of the deck. Could I simply clean the crankshaft with emery cloth, pry the oil seal out from the bottom and then tap the new one in? Or do I need to take the engine off of the mower deck and remove and disassemble the engine? Thanks for your help.
ANSWER: Hello Joel:
Remove the Spark Plug and Turn the Engine while Watching the Blade Bolt. If the Crankshaft has Wobble in it, then the Crankshaft is Bent and May Require Straightening. If the Bolts Turns True, then you can Simply Clean the Crankshaft with Emery Cloth, Pry the Old Oil Seal Out and Carefully tap the New One In. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John, Just a quick follow up more to help my confidence than anything else... First, I understand that I can replace this seal with the engine still mounted to the deck. In other words, I do not have to remove the bottom half of the engine, correct? Second, I should be able to remove this seal with perhaps a small flat head screwdriver? And finally, what would you recommend that I use to tap the new seal back in? The new seal has an ID of .875 and an OD of 1.375 and I don't have a seal seater tool. I will definitely let you know how the repair goes. Thank you for your blessing and may the All Mighty Bless You and Your Family. Thanks, Joel
AnswerHello Joel:
Thanks. **Remove the Blade and Blade Adapter. Sand the Crankshaft with Emory Cloth Sand Paper and Remove All the Rust and Burrs. The Using a Small Flat Head ScrewDriver, Pop Out the Old Seal. Sometimes, you have to Use a Small Cutting Chesiel and Cut the Seal First. I Use Pipe of the Same Diameter (Close as Possible) and 3" Longer than the Crankshaft with an End Cap on it. Place the Seal Into the Engine Base and Get it Started. Place the Pipe Over the Crankshaft and Drive the Seal Into Place Sometimes, if you have a Full Tool Set; you can Use a Deep Well Socket to Drive the Seal Into Place. Make Sure is is Deep Enough to Miss Hitting the End of the Crankshaft.** Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
Hi Joel:
I Just Read your Comment and Ratings. Thanks. I am Glad I was Able to Assit you in the Repairs. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
