Mercedes Sprinter Front Crankshaft Seal – Hudson | NCV3 3.0L OM642 | #2202700098 (2007–2018)

A leaking front crankshaft seal on a Sprinter OM642 allows engine oil to escape at the front of the crankshaft where it exits toward the harmonic balancer — contaminating the serpentine belt, belt tensioner, and surrounding components with oil that degrades rubber and accelerates belt wear. This is the Hudson front crankshaft seal for NCV3 Sprinters equipped with the 3.0L OM642 diesel engine, a direct replacement that restores a leak-free seal at the front crankshaft snout.

What This Part Does

The front crankshaft seal — also called the front main seal — is a radial shaft seal pressed into the front timing cover that contacts the crankshaft's front seal journal as it rotates. It prevents engine oil from escaping forward along the crankshaft axis, keeping oil inside the timing cover and out of the serpentine belt system. When the seal's lip wears, hardens, or loses its contact spring tension from age and heat cycling, oil seeps past the lip and is flung outward by the rotating crankshaft pulley — coating the serpentine belt, idler pulleys, and tensioner with oil that causes belt slippage and premature rubber degradation.

Common Symptoms of a Failing Front Crankshaft Seal

• Oil residue or oil weeping at the crankshaft pulley area or behind the harmonic balancer
• Serpentine belt showing oil contamination or slipping under load
• Oil dripping from the front underside of the engine beneath the crankshaft pulley
• Belt squealing from oil contamination on the belt or pulley surfaces

When to Replace

Replace when oil leakage is confirmed at the front crankshaft seal location, or whenever the harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley is removed — the seal is accessible at that point and replacement eliminates the risk of a repeat leak after reassembly. Always replace the serpentine belt if it has been contaminated with oil.

NCV3 OM642 Specific — VIN Verification Required

This seal is for NCV3 Sprinters equipped with the 3.0L OM642 diesel engine. Always verify your engine code and VIN before ordering. Contact us and we'll confirm fitment before you buy.

Fitment

• 2007–2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3/W906)
• 2007–2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3)
• 2007–2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 / 3500 – 3.0L OM642 (NCV3)

✔ Replace serpentine belt if contaminated with oil
✔ Most efficiently replaced when the crankshaft pulley is already removed

Part Numbers

• Mercedes OEM: 2202700098 / A2202700098 / 220-270-00-98
• Manufacturer: Hudson — FK220
• SKU: 2202700098H