Leaky crank seal

I'm new to the forum. I have an '81 KZ550 with a right side crank seal that has a mild leak. Does anybody know if the seal can be replaced without splitting the engine case? The factory service manual doesn't specifically show the replacement procedure for the seal. I already ordered the seal but if the case has to be split I'll probably just leave the old one in until it gets too bad to ignore.

Thanks for any help I can get.

PM LoudVHX for he's extremely well knowledge on these KZ550;) ....

Ok, electrical as well no doubt... :laugh:

OMR

Thanks. I tried to search the forum but didn't find anything specifically for the 550 crank seal. I'll try to PM LoudVHX.

It is not going to be as simple as it is on the KZ900/1000/1100 that has the separate ignition housing that can be removed and the seal can be knocked out from the inside once this housing is removed. But I believe once you remove your timing advancer, you should be able to peal out the seal. It will take more work but should be doable. But LoudVHX should have your answer for sure. He is the 550 Guru, Zen-Master.

Thanks. I sent him a PM. If the case does have to be split I'm gonna live with a little oil on my boot. It only drips out the ignition cover when you're really heavy with the throttle hand. I hope the seal can be pried out without getting some expensive tool or the risk damaging anything else.

There are "HOOK stile seal tools" available for this kind of seal removal. The one I am thinking of looks like a small dent puller with a small but wide hook at the end.

I've seen those too. A slide hammer with a hook on one end. If I use something like that I want to make sure I'm able to successfully get it out without making the situation worse.

I pull 2-stroke dirtbike crank seals all the time.
Just get 2 tiny self tapping sharp screws and screw them into the seal on either side, just about 4 threads, then pull the seal right out by them.

Installation is equally easy. Just use a socket matching the seal size and a small block of wood as a drift.
Use a rubber mallet to smack the drift and make sure to grease everything liberally first.

GL