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Do I need to remove timing chain cover to replace front crankshaft seal. I know I have to remove sump and damper/pulleys.

Yep

It's a little easier if you happen to have the timing cover off but it can be done by only dropping the sump which is the approved Jaguar method of seal replacement for the XK engine. I have replaced several this way over the years and double checking my failing memory(!) I found the sump only removal method listed in the series 2 XJ workshop manual and I can't recall anything different on the series 3. Mike.

Crankshaft front oil seal.
I've just been frantically reading through my service manual and parts manual. Why, because I didn't believe Mike's answer.

As we know there is an annulus in the timing chest cover into which the seal fits. My reasoning was that the seal could not possibly be removed through the available gap. But of course the seal does not run directly onto the crankshaft, it runs on a removable distance piece that slides off the crankshaft. With that out of the way the seal can then be prised out of the annulus and removed.

I've worked in that area many times mainly in connection with chains sprockets and tensioners and I clearly didn't remember that bit, so sorry for being a non - believer Mike

As a PS to this I noticed in the Parts Manual what appears to be an "O" ring between the spacer and the crankshaft

pshrubsall. Now that's sorted I hope the job goes well

Oldtimer

Hi Oldtimer,
We're both suffering from the same affliction (anno domini!). I was sure I'd changed several seals over the years without removing the cover but your answer cast doubts in my mind. Hence, I was relieved I hadn't completely lost it when I checked the workshop manual. Oh for a decent memory!
Mike.

I put it down to those Mercury switches !