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LawnBoy engine question

16 years ago

I have a Lawnboy bought in 1990. This year it has started to throw oil out the bottom oil seal. My question is, can the seal be replaced by removing the engine from the deck and replaced without taking the engine apart? This is a 2cycle engine and has a vertical shaft. Has anyone had experience with this?

Thanks,

Steve

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Comments (2)

1saxman
16 years ago
'can the seal be replaced by removing the engine from the deck and replaced without taking the engine apart?'

Yes. If self-propelled, the pulley has to be taken off the crankshaft. I think you're kind of mixing up 4-cycles and 2-cycles a little bit. The seal on a 2-cycle can 'leak' fuel (actually the crankcase develops pressure every stroke and some fuel/oil is blown out) and still run fine, as there is no oil sump in the engine - it gets fresh oil every cycle, in the fuel. So, you don't have to replace the seals (one upper, one lower) until the engine doesn't run well enough to use. They all have some oil around the shaft - that's how the bearings and seals stay lubricated. Still, on a 1990 (probably an 'F' engine) it would be a good idea to replace the seals, just not critical if the engine still runs okay.
On a 4-cycle, oil around the lower seal means you need to watch your oil level in the crankcase and replace the seal when it starts leaking enough oil to see on the dipstick.
indy452
16 years ago
You can replace the seal by removing the engine and with a dental pick type tool or small screwdriver if you're carefull. Pull the old seal and replace it by tapping the new one in with a piece of pvc pipe till it seats in place. Remember to be gentle though and clean the shaft real good and apply a small amount of oil to the shaft before installing new seal.

Be sure to get the exhaust gasket back in place also.

Good luck, you can do it!

Neal
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