300tdi - timing belt area

[steveG]

Currently doing the timing belt on my recently purchased D1 (207K), and have a few questions that I'd like your views on:
1. Harmonic balancer is showing signs of the rubber bond cracking. Is this likely to break or do they normally have surface cracks in the bond.
2. Is it worthwhile replacing the front crank seal while I'm in there? Its not showing any sign of leaking and the lips still seem flexible.
3. I removed the glow plugs to make the engine easier to turn as per the Difflock how-to, and the #4 one is open-circuit when tested. Does a dead plug just make for harder starting?

Steve.

[Bush65]

Being a direct injection diesel, the 300Tdi will start without assistance from glow plugs.

It is usually a good idea to replace oil seals while doing jobs like this.

Sorry, can't help with the harmonic balancer. One of my 300Tdi's has cracked, I can't get a good view to see what the other is like.

[87County]

Currently doing the timing belt on my recently purchased D1 (207K), and have a few questions that I'd like your views on:

.........1. Harmonic balancer is showing signs of the rubber bond cracking. Is this likely to break or do they normally have surface cracks in the bond..........

Steve.

Welleven though it'd probably last 'til next timing belt, you certainly don't want it coming apart in service, they're cheap enough & available, so I'd just replace it for peace of mind :)

Laurie