Replacing timing cover oil seals

[marty]

Timing cover oil seal is leaking. (83 Eagle wagon, serpentine setup w ac). Have never replaced one w the engine installed.  Can it be done w/o removing the radiator and condensor? Thanks.
Marty

[AMC of Houston]

Hi Marty:

I think you could probably do it without removing that stuff.   However, if you remove the rad you have a lot more room to get a balancer puller in there (depending on your puller design).   No need to remove the condenser.   Try it without removing the rad; if too much of a hassle on the balancer, then remove the rad.

Going to replace the timing chain too while you're messing around down there??

[amcfool1]

x2 on the rad. i would remove it. you risk damaging it trying to work on the timing cover/balancer with it in the car. Also, this gives you a great opportunity to have the rad tanked/checked/any pinholes fixed while its out. if its the original timing chain in there, definitely replace it! good luck, gz

[Zoro]

You need to remove the radiator to get the harmonic balancer puller in there.

Also, you'll need a seal driver or correctly sized socket. To be honest pulling the timing cover would make the job real easy. It can be done without pulling the water pump but you will need to loosen or remove the alternator bracket. While you're in there do the timing chain.

[AMC1]

A little bit unrelated but I'd protect that radiator. Recently I did a simple water pump replacement & when finished I had a 1/16" hole in the radiator & when under pressure poured out a steady stream. Somehow I  touched it without knowing it & it cost me $95 to seal it.