I have a 88 sammi and i replaced the crankshaft seal once already and went about 100 miles and it started leaking again i thought i cleaned the shaft good enough may i have done something wrong and i heard of a seal saver ring where can i buy one at, are they worth it, and how do i put one on.

also what is the best way to clean the crankshaft it has some rust on it could i lightly sand it and it be ok with the new seal'

I would say sanding is a nono,mabe some triple ooo steel wool to clean it up.  Check to see if it is grooved where the seal runs ,if so you may have a problem. hopfully you just damaged the new one putting it on and another shot will get it.  never heard of a seal saver ring. Good luck.  c

HI, if you go to Advance Auto and ask for a seal speedy sleeve, they got mine for me. I'm sure other parts stores have them too. I didn't have any rust because it was leaking oil. But as mentioned I would think that steel wool would work good. The kit has a sleeve is very thin that has a bell on the end that the included installer pushes against so you can just drive it on with a hammer and a deep socket or piece of pipe. I can't remember which I used. These aren't cheap but is a lot cheaper than putting in a new crank. I'm thinking around 30 bucks. However, they WORK GREAT. I have changed seals before and just like you they leak. This will fix that. Oh, and you can get them with or with out the seal. Some people will use locktite but I put mine on dry and haven't had a problem.
Hope this helps.
Bob

It's the rust that killed the new seal, you can sand the crank, but
it needs to be done with fine sanding cloth, at least 220 and use
oil as a lubricant, then follow up the rust removal with a very fine
like 400 also lubed with oil.

Rust is very hard, and rough which chews the fine lip on the seal,
the saver sleeve is another good option, but the rust is still going
to be a problem, also don't put the seal lip into the groove if one
has developed in the crank surface, drive it in a little farther to a
new fresh surface, past the rust if you can so it will not be a problem

Wild

sweet thanks for all the advice very appreciated

I have a 88 sammi and i replaced the crankshaft seal once already and went about 100 miles and it started leaking again i thought i cleaned the shaft good enough may i have done something wrong and i heard of a seal saver ring where can i buy one at, are they worth it, and how do i put one on.

http://www.store.partsdinosaur.com/product3364.html

The install tool is there too.

I am sure you did but it is worth mentioning to lube the seal for break in.

call hawk for a seal saver tool, it looks like a small white plastic tube that slides over the crank then you slide the seal over it as to not cut the new seal on the sharp edge of the crank, tap the seal in and pull the plastic part out and your good to go.