Front Crankshaft Seal Holder

[3505jd]

I have now broken two front crank seal holders. I didn't know how the first one happened, but on the second one the breakage occurred when I was tightening the crank pulley nut with a 1/2 ' drive ratchet at no where near final torque. The breaks were the same, name the tabs behind the seal. On close examination of both holders it appears that the crank pulley was not going in straight but instead landing on the tabs so when I tightened the pulley nut the tabs broke off (one on the first holder, two on the second holder).
I think the solution, when I get a replacement seal holder, would be to push the crank pulley through the centre hole of the seal holder as far in as it will go and then mount the seal holder and pulley in place.
Advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

[Nut124]

Something is not right here. ?? The front seal runs on the crank journal. Are you forgetting the timing gear between the crank and the pulley?

[3505jd]

Had the terminology wrong. it is the crank gear that does not seem to go in straight and contacts the 'nibs' on the back side of the seal holder. One 'nib' broke out on the first seal holder and two on the second seal holder. On close examination the crank gear does not look centred in the seal holder and thus hits the ' nibs'.

[Nut124]

I see. The nibs are there to attempt to center the oil seal on the journal, or at least prevent major misalignment.

Did you remove/re-install the crank? Either your crank is off center or the seal carrier is off position. Is the timing gear key there, in place?

You could try leaving the seal carrier bolts loose until you have the timing gear, pulley on the crank properly.

[3505jd]

The crank was removed as part of the short block rebuild. I don't understand how it could be off centre. The timing gear key is in place.
I had thought of your suggestion to leave the seal carrier bolts loose until timing gear and crank pulley are installed.
Also thought of filing down the nibs slightly to prevent them from rubbing on the timing gear.

[Nut124]

I'd hesitate filing the tabs. They are there to make sure your oil seal is centered on the journal. Don't want that seal leaking right away.

I'd try to test assemble it to assess the amount and cause of interference. Does the crank turn easy at TDC with hand.