Replacement - 740 Turbo crank shaft front oil seal.

I have a 1990 Volvo 740 Turbo station wagon, oil is pouring out from the
front of the engine. I took the cover off the timing belt and it was soaked
with oil also. The front oil seal for the crank shaft has failed ( over
300000Km on this seal ).

I have to take the bolt off the front pulley which is attached to the crank
to get to the seal, but I have no way of stopping the crank from turning
over, whenever I tried to undo the bolt, the crank will turn as well.

Has anyone done this seal replacement before and know of a way of stopping
the crank from turning when you take the pulley bolt out. Help is much
appreciated.

Bill.

 

You can pop off one of the inspection covers on the bellhousing (assuming
this is an auto) and wedge a wrench in there on the bolts that hold the
torque converted to the drive plate.

 

The dealers and others sell a tool to hold the crankshaft pulley while you
remove the bolt. OR.. This method is crude but it works for me.
Using a socket, breaker bar and a short piece of pipe. Brace against the
driver side frame rail. Crank the starter for 1/2 sec. Presto he bolt is loose.

Check the flame trap. A clogged flame trap can fail that seal.