OIL Leaking from Front Crankshaft Seal.

[Leah]

  My greatest concern with my engine restoration. Is the OIL Leaking from Front Crankshaft Seal. In his attempt to prevent the OIL leaking from this source; the mechanic has now done it 4 times!!!! I actually stood and watch him do it for the fourth time. The engine leaks from this source and throws oil everywhere. I once owned a nice clean engine bay; and engine no more !

On discovering the OIL everywhere. I was told independently it takes 5 hours to replace the seals properly. This Mechanic does it in 2½  hours. Quickly Mechanic pulls off the front section pulleys and removes seal and steal ring which is mounted on the Crankshaft. You can see partly the timing chain in the background. Replaces new seal and machines to fit old steel RING from off another Crankshaft.

Yes I have warranty for 12 months. What is this mechanic doing wrong ?

There must be away to solve this OIL LEAK correctly. Thanks LEAH

[ja17]

Hello Leah,

Use a (New) steel crankshaft spacer ring (steel collar on crankshaft that rubber seal, seals against) they get worn. Use some gasket shellac or permatex on the inside of the steel collar before installation  on the cranskshaft or oil may seep between the crankshaft and collar thus by-passing the rubber seal.  Load the inside lips of the rubber seal with grease before installation. I also use a little gasket shellac on the outside of the rubber seal where it seats against the block.  After installing the seal, make sure the lips of the seal are seated on the steel crankshaft collar or adjust as needed.

Finnally make SURE the oil is not coming from somewhere else. Leaks from anywhere on the front of the engine end up in this area. There are many bolt holes on the front of the engine which can weep oil. Bolts threaded into the front of the engine should be coated with sealer.  The hidden bolt hole behind the aluminum water pump housing can cause a hidden leak and is nearly impossible to find unless you know about it. You need to remove the valve cover and make sure that the 6mm allen bolt near the chain tensioner is in place. This allen bols is located in the chain gallery and is submerged in a pool of oil. You just have to know where to look. If this bolt is missing (often left out during repairs) You could have a serious leak on the fron exterior of the engine since the threaded hole for this bolt emerges through the outside of the block in some cases (not all) creating a massive oil leak.  I think we have some pictures here somewhere.

[Nate]

Are you sure the source of the oil is not the injection pump?  That's usually the source of spraying oil in the engine compartment.  Check to see if you have an oil pattern on the inside of your hood above the pump.

[JimVillers]

I had an oil leak under the timing pointer that I thought was a front seal.

Clean everything with brake cleaner so it is CLEAN.  Then run the engine and wipe the areas with a paper towel.  The paper towel will show oil that your eye will miss.  If you have power steering, do the same to the power steering pump and hoses.

[Leah]

  Thanks for the replies.

The Oil can be seen oozing out from the seal of the Crankshaft. I like the idea of checking all the possibilities; thank you for all the tips Alex.

Will also check the power Steering Pump + Hoses too. Thanks Jim.

Yes I have the oil on the Bonnet ( Hood )  but it is above the Radiator FAN area. The Injector Pump is all good. Thanks Nate

I now will make this mechanic fix these problems created by him as instructed by Alex.

I am so happy NO OIL in my engine bay again  Leah

[ja17]

Hello Leah,

I just modified my original post. It should have read "Use a new" steel spacer ring.........

[Leah]

 Thanks again Joe,

where do I get one ?
 
 "Use a (New) steel crankshaft spacer ring (steel collar on crankshaft that rubber seal, seals against) they get worn".

 Can someone tell me where to buy one in the USA; Please.

 All the best to you all "UP-Above"  from  "Down - Under"  LEAH

[Naj ✝︎]

Why not try your local dealer first?
Its a common enough part.

Part # on picture

naj

[ja17]

Hello Leah,

These can be a little tricky to get off.  There is a special puller, but most guys figure out different ways to get them out. Don't forget to smear a just a little bit of gasket shellac (sealer) around the bare crankshaft end before sliding the new ring onto the crankshaft.  This will prevent any oil from leaking out between the crankshaft and spacer ring. Not a likely situation, but I have seen it happen.

[Leah]

  Thanks you Naj,

   For the number for the NEW Ring Crankshaft.

   I am amazed this mechanic was too slack to buy one in the first place.

   This will be his 5 attempt to do it right ; it must have cost him heaps in time and labour.

   I am going to check everything now that I can read the Pagoda Notes; love being a full member.

   May you hunt well in 2010 Naj Cheers

    Leah

 

[abe280SL]

Something does not appear right if you  have had the seal replaced 5x.  My car has 25k on a rebuilt done 18 years ago and it may have an occasional drop from the front seal..if any. Most of my drops appears to be coming from the fuel injection pump.  Five seals...either the mechanic does not know what he is doing...or something is wrong that your seal keeps leaking.
IMHO
abe

[hands_aus]

Leah,
In 2007 I bought the steel spacer ring in Brisbane for $103.00 AUD