I had a quick go at getting the big seal out with generic hand tools and it became clear that all I'd do was to mess up the oil pump engine cover. There's no way to get enough force to bear without putting unacceptable loads through a relatively thin casting wall.
It seems that Ducati never got around to releasing a tool for this job. I've spent the last couple of days making up a dedicated, one-use tool for this job, something that could be used on the bench.
Hopefully the photos make it clear what's going on, if not, here's what it does.
Extraction of old seal: Pull plate fitted to rear of seal, grooved lip engages metal seal ring. Collar (so seal has some clearance to be pulled into) fitted over the top, then the threaded plate for the screws. 8 x M6 x 50 cap screws, tighten by hand, then go around every third screw and nip up to equal amounts. Ten minutes later the whole lot comes out, seal and all. No hammering, no gouging of the cover. Success.
Bookmarks