Oil leak? Front Crank Seal?

[manderson2228]

The oil pan gasket has recently been replaced. This looks like a front crank seal to me. Oil is on the bolt with the mount and up above the oil pan. As indicated in the blue circle. Just wanted to see what everyone thought before i started taking it apart.

 

[toy_tek]

Could be front crank seal and/or the timing cover seal. If you're in there, plan on doing both. I had the same symptoms as you a few years ago and did this job...it's a bit of work but that solved the leak issue for me.

 

[majdomo]

View attachment 3662299

Could be front crank seal and/or the timing cover seal. If you're in there, plan on doing both. I had the same symptoms as you a few years ago and did this job...it's a bit of work but that solved the leak issue for me.

This. Do a search on the proper procedure to replace the timing cover seal. Check your harmonic balancer for wear when it's off. Use OEM for both seals - aftermarket on the cover seal is fine, but it's the same price as OEM and you'll be ordering the OEM crank seal or chances are good you'll be redoing it.

Hammer the flange on the cover back to flat when it's off, it's easy to over-torque those bolts and bend the flange, leading to leaks. Keep track of the bolts and where they go, they are different lengths based on position. Put some RTV / FIPG on the bottom two as they are through bolts exposed to oil. Careful with the torque when reinstalling.

Also have fun!!

 

[OSS]

Just put a drip pan under it where you park if it’s not a big leak.
Replacing those gaskets, especially the gasket behind the metal plate is not a job for the timid

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Just to add to this as far as procedures some of the cover bolts are longer do not put them in the wrong spot or you will bend the plate behind the cover and that will be a huge can of worms to fix.

 

[majdomo]

Just put a drip pan under it where you park if it’s not a big leak.
Replacing those gaskets, especially the gasket behind the metal plate is not a job for the timid

The one behind the plate is gnarly. You have to pull the camshaft among other things to get to it. However I've done this job 3x and fortunately it hasn't been that gasket. Trouble is, you can't tell if it's the front or rear gasket that's leaking until you do one or both. My philosophy has been, do what I can at home for cheap, if that fixes it then great, if not then I can decide to either live with it or hire it out. YMMV.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

The one behind the plate is gnarly. You have to pull the camshaft among other things to get to it. However I've done this job 3x and fortunately it hasn't been that gasket. Trouble is, you can't tell if it's the front or rear gasket that's leaking until you do one or both. My philosophy has been, do what I can at home for cheap, if that fixes it then great, if not then I can decide to either live with it or hire it out. YMMV.

Yeah that's not a fun job