Front Crankshaft Seal

dmcmahan60 · 08-12-2025, 09:43 AM

Anyone have any experience with having the front crank seal being replaced? I just got two estimates for over $1000 each because there is 10 hours in labor just to get the harmonic balancer off, ac compressor removed, ac system evacuated just to replace a $20 seal? Thanks for the input and advice.

m6-lt1 · 08-12-2025, 12:51 PM

It is a lot of work. I can’t see anyone booking less than a full 8 hour day of labor. So multiply 8 times the hourly rate for shops in your area. The AC refill is also costly for 17+vehicles.

Fact check me here but I believe when the front seal fails (common on these cars because GM apparently has forgotten how to make a V8) folks upgrade to the LS3 seal.

dmcmahan60 · 08-12-2025, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the input, and never heard of the LS3 seal upgrade. I will have to look into it. Thanks again.

arpad_m · 08-12-2025, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmcmahan60

Thanks for the input, and never heard of the LS3 seal upgrade. I will have to look into it. Thanks again.

Ted Jannetty routinely does that on all of his builds for the reason you mentioned; mine also has the LS front crank seal (part 12585673), see here: https://jannettyracing.com/products/...ont-crank-seal.

It's a $30 part, it's the that labor kills you with the replacement, so I'd consider a power upgrade if this job has to be done on your Camaro...

dmcmahan60 · 08-12-2025, 03:14 PM

I am already , headers, Roto Fab intake, E85 and tuned. She is sitting at 156,000 miles as a daily. Think I will just wait and see what happens. I mean if she dies it will give me leverage against the warden for a 416 build

That is another adventure to see who I get to do the build? Thank you for your valuable input

Tim M · 08-12-2025, 04:36 PM

I've replaced mine and didn't have to touch the AC compressor other than removing the belt. No evacuation, etc.

Certainly didn't take 10 hours...but you do have to have the correct puller and installer for the balancer. A new balancer bolt as well as heat to take the old one out (sealant).

LS3 seal is less likely to fail under excess crankcase pressures. OEM GM Part: 12585673.

dmcmahan60 · 08-13-2025, 05:58 AM

I have a friend that works at a dealership and got me the LS3 front seal from GM for $28.97. Just need to figure out if and when on the other, thank you all for you input. Appreciate you all

08-12-2025, 09:43 AM	#1
dmcmahan60 Drives: 2017 SS Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Arab, AL Posts: 902 View My Garage	Front Crankshaft Seal Anyone have any experience with having the front crank seal being replaced? I just got two estimates for over $1000 each because there is 10 hours in labor just to get the harmonic balancer off, ac compressor removed, ac system evacuated just to replace a $20 seal? Thanks for the input and advice.

08-12-2025, 12:51 PM	#2
m6-lt1 Drives: 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,599	It is a lot of work. I can’t see anyone booking less than a full 8 hour day of labor. So multiply 8 times the hourly rate for shops in your area. The AC refill is also costly for 17+vehicles. Fact check me here but I believe when the front seal fails (common on these cars because GM apparently has forgotten how to make a V8) folks upgrade to the LS3 seal. __________________ Current: 2023 2SS 1LE Prior: 2016 Camaro 1SS 2007 Mustang GT 2008 Civic Si

08-12-2025, 04:36 PM	#6
Tim M Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Stuttgart, Germany Posts: 902	I've replaced mine and didn't have to touch the AC compressor other than removing the belt. No evacuation, etc. Certainly didn't take 10 hours...but you do have to have the correct puller and installer for the balancer. A new balancer bolt as well as heat to take the old one out (sealant). LS3 seal is less likely to fail under excess crankcase pressures. OEM GM Part: 12585673. __________________ 2018 SS 1LE German Based Nurburgring Visit #19 202 MPH Ring Laps: 86

08-12-2025, 01:45 PM	#3
dmcmahan60 Drives: 2017 SS Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Arab, AL Posts: 902 View My Garage	Thanks for the input, and never heard of the LS3 seal upgrade. I will have to look into it. Thanks again.

08-12-2025, 03:14 PM	#5
dmcmahan60 Drives: 2017 SS Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Arab, AL Posts: 902 View My Garage	I am already , headers, Roto Fab intake, E85 and tuned. She is sitting at 156,000 miles as a daily. Think I will just wait and see what happens. I mean if she dies it will give me leverage against the warden for a 416 build That is another adventure to see who I get to do the build? Thank you for your valuable input

08-13-2025, 05:58 AM	#7
dmcmahan60 Drives: 2017 SS Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Arab, AL Posts: 902 View My Garage	I have a friend that works at a dealership and got me the LS3 front seal from GM for $28.97. Just need to figure out if and when on the other, thank you all for you input. Appreciate you all

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