[5speedForever]

Long time reader, first time poster here,

(1992 Cherokee Laredo np231)
So, in my haste to get my output shaft seal replaced last night, I decided to use a screwdriver instead of a seal puller to remove the old leaky seal… dumb move.
I managed to get the seal out but chipped a small piece of the output shaft housing in the process. (Linked photo) I put the chipped piece back in place but you can see where it’s broke

Does anyone one know how detrimental that is the the seal’s ability to well, seal? Should I opt for a new one from crown or eBay or leave it? Any opinions or tips would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[Fourspeedman]

Looks OK to me. Since that is the outside part that the seal sits in, no place for oil to leak out. Any farther down would be a problem but this can be fixed. You could take the whole thing off and have it heli-arc welded. But I would use a very good epoxy like Marine Tex to glue it back in place with a decent amount on the outside for support. Then when you put the seal in, use some good sealer especially at that spot.

 

[5speedForever]

I got a buddy with an arc welder (no welder for me yet🤞) …if it does end up being a problem, I’ll take it to him and show what you had to say, thank you for the help friend.

 

[Fourspeedman]

I weld, but aluminum requires TIG which I don't have either. My buddy does TIG and I had him repair a cracked outboard motor lower unit. It is an art you can really appreciate.

 

[Mr. Bitey]

In all honesty, that chip wouldn't bother me at all. I might even mount it on my "wall of shame". I'd pop a new seal in, goober some RTV over the now missing hunk. I guess I might go as far as to put a thin layer of RTV on the inside before I pressed the seal in as well. But that's all just me. MHO, my $0.02...

PS - Humans learn from their mistakes, NOT their success! This could have been much worse. Find solace in knowing you won't do this again!

 

[Fourspeedman]

that chip wouldn't bother me at all

I agree. But any incomplete spot 'could' allow the seal to loosen. Possible but not probable. I use sealer on all my seals anyway but I would go with the epoxy just because.

 

[Mr. Bitey]

Possible but not probable

Agreed!