bad crank seal?

[SPREEtown]

i have a honda spree (build in sig) that has been PLAGUED with an air leak. after way too much time and money trying to track it down, i think i have found it, but i need a second opinion before i go raise *:

i got the crank bearings/seals replaced at a local shop and ever since this problem has been around, but i could not find any physical telltale leak signs. but after taking of the drive pulley(for the 20th time...) i found black gunky residue on the inside of the pulley/on the shaft, etc and it feels like a puff of air comes out when i turn the engine by hand. IS THIS A BAD CRANK SEAL? DID THE SHOP f*** THIS UP?

any info is appreciated

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

The shaft outboard of the seal ahould be bone-dry and clean as a whistle, even after thousands of miles.
The puff of air is just the cherry on the parfait. Seal can easily be damaged by ham-fisted "mechanics". Make 'em do it over.

[SPREEtown]

thanks wheelman
shop was cool about it. they said they were going to yank out the the old seal and press in a new one w/out splitting the case ( in an effort to save on labor, that im not paying for). is this a viable means of replacement?

[evilone]

is this a viable means of replacement?

Yes