Most (but not all) crank seals can be replaced without stripping the engine. Insert a self-tapping screw into the old seal to give you something to pull on, and pull out the old seal. Press in the mew one using a piece of pipe as a drift.
Some models have the seal installed against a shoulder from INSIDE the crankcase. If you have one of these, you'll have to completely strip the engine to replace it.
phil_saunders@bigfoot.com
Phil Saunders
February 2009