Can't get crank seal out of the timing cover. Any tips/tricks?

[Stewart G Griffin]

i can't get the crank seal out of the timing cover.   This one is in there tight.  i have the hook seal puller.  i even bolted the cover to a bare block.

i'm afraid i'm going to bend the cover.

Any tips or tricks?

[Rattler12]

Cut the flat flange part in a couple places with a pair of dikes.....the wire cutting kind 

Or a hacksaw blade

[Stewart G Griffin]

Cut the flat flange part in a couple places with a pair of dikes.....the wire cutting kind 

Ok.  And i would just get a new cover, but of course 4.3 covers are a little different with timing tab put in a different spot.......

[80Chevy4x4]

take and tap a screwdriver into the seal right wear the seal meets the cover....this will give more leverage to pop the seal out....do this in several places until you get the seal loose.

[amplifiedsilence]

Just changed the front seal on my 350 when replacing the crank damper. I used a hook style seal puller too. Make sure to grab on to the inside edge of seal, to far and it hooks on to the timing cover! I accidentally boogered mine up this way but was able to knock it back in shape.