Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh HSSK50 Oil Seal and Gasket, trouble shooting guide, work bench

Question
Hello John,

I have a Tecumseh HSSK50 67375R 6136B Snow King on a 22" snow blower the engine runs good, but appears to be leaking oil.  The oil is visible dripping during operation from the area of either the oil seal and/or the crankshaft cover.  Could you please assist in describing steps to take in replacing the oil seal and crankshaft cover gasket.  I have a service manual for this model, but it is unclear how to remove the seal itself, the appropriate seal depth, and specifics for replacing the gasket.  Also does the engine need to be removed from the snow blower to complete the repairs and are there any tricky steps to be aware of?

Thanks for the help.

Answer
Hello Nate:

>>Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf  .  >>This Site Addy; http://www.outdoordistributors.com/Tecumseh/tmain.html has a Link to a PDF Trouble-Shooting Guide. Simply Select the Free PDF Download for the Tecumseh Trouble-Shooting Guide.
>>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 HSSK50 67375R. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing.
>>The Following File will Assist you in Removing the Oil Pan/Sump for the Gasket Replacement.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Examining the Inside of a Small Engine and will Assist you in having Access to the Governor, Oil Pump (if Applicable), Cam and Crankshaft Gear. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**This is a Simple Process. Drain the Oil and Remove the Engine to the Work Bench with the Oil Pan Facing Up. I have a Wooden Rest that was Especially Made to Hold the Engine when in this Position.
>>Using Fine Sand Paper, Remove ALL the Rust and Debris from the Crankshaft.
>>Remove ALL the Oil Pan Bolts.
>>After All the Oil Pan Bolts are Removed; Tap Lightly on the Sides of the Oil Pan to Loosen it from the Dowel Pins.
Sometimes you May have to Use a Flat Screw Driver or Chisel Between the Oil Pan/Sump at the Areas Neat to the Dowel Pin and Loosen  the Oil Pan/Sump.
>>When the Oil Pan is Removed, you can See the Governor Resting on Top of the Cam Gear.
>>****If Required: Lift Off and Replace with a New Governor. Check the Engine Block for Debris from the Old Governor and Wipe the Inside of the Block With a Rag, Until Clean. Set the Governor Shaft So it will be Resting on the Governor whine the Oil Pan is Replaced and Carefully Replace the Oil Pan. If the Crankshaft Seal Was Not Leaking, then Leave it Alone. It Should be OK. You can Easily Replace it While Mounted on the Machine if Required Later. Make Sure the Governor Stays in Contact with the Governor Shaft while Replacing the Oil Pan. Re - Mount the Engine to the Machine. Refill With Oil. Your Internal Governor May Differ.**
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Replacing this Seal. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>Remove the Spark Plug.
>>**If you Must Tilt the Mower/Engine, then Tilt it so the Plug Hole is Facing Up.**
>>Turn the Engine and Watch the Center Blade Bolt as the Engine is Turned. If the Bolt Turns True, then the Crankshaft is Not Bent.
>>If the Center Bolt Wobbles, then the Crankshaft is Bent and this can be the Cause of the Lower Seal Leaking. Depending on How Bad the Crankshaft is Bent will Determine How Often the Lower Seal will have to be Replaced and if the Mower has a Vibration Also. >>I have Seen Engine that have the Lower Seal Replaced Every Year Due to a Bent Crankshaft. The People Still Operate the Mower, they Just Replace the Seal at the Start of Each Cutting Season.
>>To Replace the Lower Crankshaft Seal; **Remove the Blade and Blade Adapter. Sand the Crankshaft with Emory Cloth Sand Paper and Remove All the Rust and Burrs. Then Using  a Small Flat Head Screwdriver, Pop Out the Old Seal. Sometimes, you have to Use a Small Cutting Chisel and Cut the Seal First.
>>I Use Pipe of the Same Outside Diameter of the Seal(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 it is Deep Enough to Miss Hitting the End of the Crankshaft.**  The Oil Seal is Supposed to be Flush with the Oil Pan/Sump.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something 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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John