Timing cover crankshaft seal replacement

[rfmaster]

Well, here we go.........

As the title says I have to tackle timing cover crankshaft seal replacement. In the past I always had the 'luxury' of having timing cover off the engine, on the workbench when replacing crankshaft seal. Couple of 2x4 cut-offs and some gentle taps quickly persuades seal to seat into its prescribed spot. This time around engine is in the truck and I have a slow drip leak when engine is running. The engine is a fresh, bottom up 350 rebuild - which upsets me even more, with a brand new balancer, stock replacement sheet metal timing cover (Dorman IRC) covering Cloyes double roller timing chain and NATIONAL 9845 crankshaft seal. I do have the right tools to pull harmonic balancer (6-3/4") and press it back on without resorting to hammering.

Question - are there any tricks or tips for removing old seal without damaging sheet metal timing cover? I would like to know what others have used to perform the same job. Thanks!

//RF