Camshaft and crankshaft seal the same?

[grizzleebear]

I am replacing both front seals on my 92 L (manufacture date 12/18/91) and from my searches here it sounds like these two actually use the same seal if made prior to 2/01/92. I checked them out at NAPA (they didn't have any in stock, just what we could see on their computer) and they do appear to be the same. At Advance Auto they only carry the crankshaft seal in a set for like $17. I purchased a camshaft seal from them for $6. I don't need all the other gaskets that come with the set, so if they are the same I can just get another camshaft seal right? Thanks for any help.

[ejp2fast]

I have a 91 GL automatic and yes, these two seals are exactly the same. I did just that, bought a camshaft seal for my crankshaft. Do you have your timing belt/sprocket off yet?

[grizzleebear]

yes, I have the timing belt (camshaft) sprocket off. Whats the easiest way to get the old seal out? Haven't got the crankshaft sprocket off yet, maybe tonight.

[ejp2fast]

the camshaft seal is easier to remove than the crankshaft seal. my haynes manual says to lower the engine to get the crankshaft seal out... i did not do this, and managed OK getting the seal out. these are C seals, and have a small tightly wound spring in them. When removing, its very hard not to gouge this seal, but make sure you do not knick the metal bore. Using pliers and screw driver, pry the old seal out. When putting them in, coat the outer edge with oil and insert it into bore. Do not hammer it (like a little on one side, a little on the other side) but use a socket that is the exact size of the seal and lightly pound it into the bore all at once... before inserting make sure there are no burrs in the metal and if so smooth it accordingly.
It may take a while removing the seals, but be patient! i ended up using a small diameter hole punch to help pry it out as well and different sized screw drivers. hope this helps.

[grizzleebear]

Thanks for the help guys. I got the old one out last night. What a PIA! The seal was glued/fused to the block. I ended up taking the valve cover off so I could get to the back side of it. Cut, scraped, pulled, pushed and chewed it into little pieces to get it all off. Once I got it off and cleaned out the groove it goes into, the new one went in fine with the help of a 1 3/16" socket (the largest socket I have) and few good licks with a hammer.
Gonna do the crankshaft seal this weekend. I hope it is not fused to the block like the cam seal, if it is I don't know how I'm going to get it off.

[ejp2fast]

Thanks for the help guys. I got the old one out last night. What a PIA! The seal was glued/fused to the block. I ended up taking the valve cover off so I could get to the back side of it. Cut, scraped, pulled, pushed and chewed it into little pieces to get it all off. Once I got it off and cleaned out the groove it goes into, the new one went in fine with the help of a 1 3/16" socket (the largest socket I have) and few good licks with a hammer.
Gonna do the crankshaft seal this weekend. I hope it is not fused to the block like the cam seal, if it is I don't know how I'm going to get it off.

grizzlee- just posted in another thread... glad to hear you got the cam seal off. you think the cam seal is hard...... try the crank.... i think the key for the crank seal is PRYING. Puncturing the seal with a small punch or screw driver and then getting leverage to pry...also, go slow. That hard hard rubber wants to break off, and keeping as much of that seal there is best for grippage.