Anybody ever had any problems with the waterpump shaft seal cutting when replacing the timing cover?I noticed when I took mine cover off that I must have clipped it the last time I installed it.I put all new seals on it and installed the cover again.Went real smooth,did'nt give me no problems,plus I have it on a stand with the oil pan off.Well,I noticed I clipped the seal again.So I went and bought another seal and I thought i'd try to slide it over the shaft then drive it in.I could not get that thing to slide over the shaft for nothing.I even took a small flathead and tried to push the seal ******d so it could slide on there,nope.Was'nt gonna happen.It was like the teflon seal inside was just too small.May have been a dumb idea but I had to get a sharp razor blade and trim a little.It was still a huge pain and I still had to use the small flathead but I eventually got it on.I called my cousin and asked if he had any problems with his and he said nope.I asked if he'd go check his seal and to his surprise,his was also cut.Just wondered what the deal is and if anybody else had any problems?Sorry so long.
Thanks,
JE

 

It's an often discussed issue that you have to take special precautions when installing the water pump seal. You have to keep the inner part of the seal from catching on the lip of the water pump drive gear. You can slide the new seal over the water pump drive coupler or a socket and butt that up against the drive. Or you can use some thin plastic like from a soda bottle and wrap the drive end, slide the seal over it, then remove the plastic.

 

I did not think about those things.I may get another one and try that.
Thanks,.
JE