Introduction: Replacing the Timing Belt and Crankshaft Seal (Honda Civic 1999, D15B Engine).

By None
About: Diy

Again with an annoying oil leak at the base of my timing belt cover. I changed the camshaft seal but the leak remained. The remaining culprit is the Crankshaft seal so I went about to replace it and the Timing Belt. The first thing I did was to remove;

1. The power steering pump and belt using a 12mm socket.
2. The air conditioning belt using a 14mm Ratchet spanner for the idler Pulley center bolt, 12mm socket for the Idler Pulley bracket and a 10mm socket with extensions.
3. The alternator belt using a 12mm Ratchet socket.
4. The valve cover.

For reference I used an instructable I published for the replacement of the Timing Belt.

https://m.instructables.com/id/Replacing-the-Timing...

Step 1: Removing the Crankshaft Sprocket.

I put the engine to top dead Centre by rotating anticlockwise the Crankshaft. This needs a 17mm deep socket for that operation.

Once the Timing Belt was removed the Crankshaft sprocket came out very easy. You can see the mess of oil from the leaking seal.

The backplates showed are identical and are installed with the curved edges pointing towards the engine.

I used engine degreaser to clean the Crankshaft and camshaft pulleys plus the Crankshaft sprocket.

Step 2: Removing the Crankshaft Seal.

Using a small flat blade screwdriver on the Crankshaft I carefully pried the seal out. It came out quite easily. It is hyper important not to gouge the surface of the Crankshaft. There is evidence of oil seepage in the seal well.

Step 3: Installing the New Seal.

I coated the surfaces of the seal with engine oil first. Using a 32mm socket I gently and evenly hand pressed the new seal in. I lined the face of the seal with the bevel of the seal well.

Step 4: Closing Up.

Following the Honda manual, I put on the new Timing Belt and tensioned it properly. Once the Accessories belts were back on and the valve cover reinstalled, I started her up successfully and all were in order. This job took me 5 hours to do at a leisurely pace. Hopefully no more oil leaks in a long time.

My lesson learnt is that I must replace the seals anytime I replace the Timing Belt.