Crank groove from seal

Yes, there is such a sleeve,(such as a "Speedi-Sleeve") but they aren't used on crankshaft bearing journals. If the groove is only slight, try polishing the journal and removing the edges of the groove with some 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper. A trick for the rear main seal is to use two seal retainer gaskets on the back of the block to space the new seal away from the groove.

Toyotas are famous for cutting grooves in the crankshaft, most notably the rear main seal. Also, it's not just the M series engines, as I'm going thru this exact problem with my 87 Xtra Cab right now (it has a 22RE engine).
If you look at Napa, they have many sleeves for a '85 Supra:
[url]http://www.napaonline.com/cgi...r=15581756&prmenbr=5806&usrcommgrpid=25000778
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or you can order one from Chicago Rawhide:
http://www2.chicago-rawhide.com/speedi_sleeves.htm

Personally, I'd just spend the 40 bucks and do the job right the first time. I'd really hate to change the seal and end up having it leak again because I tried to use a spacer-wait, I'm going thru that now!
Trust me, its not worth the pain of re-doing the whole job over again...

Thank you both very much for the info..its very much appreciated.. it sure is a pleasure to be a part of CS..I just wish I had joined sooner..Tks again ;^}

Flyin' Hawaiian said:

Toyotas are famous for cutting grooves in the crankshaft, most notably the rear main seal. Also, it's not just the M series engines, as I'm going thru this exact problem with my 87 Xtra Cab right now (it has a 22RE engine)....

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Does the 22RE have a tendency to groove the front of the crank?

The front main seal on my 85 Celica has been leaking for a few months, it's a holy hell mess on the front of the engine now. Will be changing it this weekend or sooner. I had never heard of the seal digging a groove into the crank....and hope it hasn't.

Slicker than a wet weasel on a linolium disco floor.
Scott

On a 22R the front main seal rides on the crank pulley IIRC.

I think silver is right about the front. The back definitely sits on the crank itself, just like the 5m, even has the cover that holds the seal. I never thought a piece of friggin' rubber would wear a groove in the crank either! Hell, when I was told that's what was causing the massive leak on my truck the first time, I thought the guy was feeding me a bunch of crapola! I really thought it was a problem with the new motor he had just put in, not something like this!
Good luck in fixing the oil leak!

SilverMk2 said:

On a 22R the front main seal rides on the crank pulley IIRC.

Click to expand...

Not sure myself. Will find out after pulling the pulley though. Should be easy enough to R&R. Don't know if it will be possible to replace with the oil pump still on the motor or easier to pull it off and replace the seal on the bench. Will see how much room is under there with the pulley removed.

What's the easiest/best way to hold the crank to retorque the nut?

The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.
Scott