Help Diagnose Front Oil Leak

[96beast]

Alright guys, like most others on here I've had a slow seepage of oil from most likely multiple locations. Although my entire front undercarriage constantly has a wet coating of oil it hasn't really bothered me and the level has stayed relatively constant.

However, it seems as a leak in the front of the motor has began to "gush". When the motor is on oil drips from the front skid plate and I leave a small puddle wherever I park the truck. I have read up on all of the threads with a front leak like mine but am having trouble diagnosing.

Truck is a '96 fzj80. I can see oil in the belts and around the whole front end of the motor. It is mainly pooled up right below the alternator and on the front skid plate. I don't feel any oil below the dizzy (does this rule out the dizzy o-ring?). The front crank seal was replaced ~6 months ago so I don't think its that. My gut tells me its the oil pump seal but how do I know for sure? I can't find any pictures of the thing with references.

What else should I check/be looking for? Thanks guys.

 

[BirfMark]

Pressure wash the front of the engine, then start it up & see where it starts leaking from. If it's leaking as bad and as quickly as you suggest, you should have no problem tracking it down.

From your description of the leaking area, I would guess the oil pump seal as well.

 

[96beast]

Should I remove the front skid plate in order to see better and view from below?

 

[breathed]

Yes, remove the skid plate.

 

[96beast]

Alright then, I'll report back hopefully with pictures and let you guys decide what I should do next.

 

[96r50]

Sounds like the oil pump seal. Zane started a great thread about replacing it; there should be some photos in there.

 

[96beast]

Saw that thread. I know that's probably what it is, but I'm hoping its not because I had the front crank seal replaced as PM with the head gasket repair and could have easily had the oil pump seal replaced then too

 

[JAGRBMB]

this helped alot with my oil leak...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/72514-how-replace-oil-pump-seal-w-pics.html

 

[agomez]

x2 on oil pump seal....

 

[96beast]

If that's what it is then will the fact that I've already done the front crank seal make this job easier? Asked another way, do I have to remove the crank to replace the oil pump seal?

 

[arndog123]

Yes, the pulley has to come off to replace the pump seal.