crank seal timing side leak

1981 XJ550 maxim timing cover side. The crank seal has started to leak. Can these seals be changed without separating the upper and lower case.

 

Sorry I don't have an answer to your question. I'm sure someone that knows will be along soon. I just wanted to comment on the pic you posted.
Is it just me, or does that chain look rusty. If so, I hope you're not riding it like that...that wouldn't be safe!

 

Yea i know, But it only goes in a straight for a short time. Ive had them pop and explode the guard before. Oh well, i dont take up space, just live on the edge. thanks Dirty

 

Umm... on the 550, if the chain "pops" it will explode more than the guard. They usually wrap back around to the front and tear the starter from its mounts, breaking the bosses out of the case.

It's simply flat foolish to ride with a questionable chain. It's not "living on the edge." It's "being a dumbass." Get it properly lubed and keep track of its tension and wear rate, lest you destroy your motor.

In regard to the leak. If it is truly coming from there (and not migrating from elsewhere and just collecting there to drip) then the answer is yes and no.

Technically, that seal isn't replaceable without splitting the cases. But it can be done in a less elegant manner.

The original seal has a raised lip on it that is trapped by the cases. It can be dug out, and replaced with an appropritely-sized straight-sided seal. The digging out requires precision as to not scratch the surface on the crank, and the new seal has to be installed very carefully. We have had a few members that have successfully accomplished it that way, on either end of the crank (same style seal.)

 

right, cool. Thanks "Dumbass"Dirty.