Oil leak from the bottom end.

[hottscennessey]

I have an oil leak from the bottom end. It looks like it may be comming from the lower timing case behind the crank pulley. I accidentally clogged the PCV system and blew this seal and a cam seal. I also forgot to put RTV sealant between the front crankcase and the block when i did the headgasket. I used brake quiet, but I'm not so certain this is where the leak is comming from. Is it the front main seal or is it the crank pulley seal?.. or are those the same thing? Could it be anything else? Let me know what you think the cause is based on me messing up with the PCV.

 

[IJ.]

Front Main is the crank seal and brake quiet should have been fine!

You may have pressured the seal enough to either pop it out or roll the lip under.
(my guess would be it's popped out if it was installed dry)

 

[hottscennessey]

I think thats what it is too, thanks IJ! The crankseal is similar in design to the camseal? right? Because thats what happened to the camseal.

 

[IJ.]

yep same same just bigger and not as tight a fit!

 

[hottscennessey]

Thanks again IJ!

 

[IJ.]

Very welcome Hot and thanks for the rep!

 

[hottscennessey]

anytime

 

[hottscennessey]

I dont want to start another thread, but does anyone have some advice for removing the crank pulley, after the bolt is already removed?

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

I thought there was a pulley remover tool you were supposed to use for removing it. I believe you can rent it from auto parts stores.

 

[mkIIIman089]

My steering wheel puller worked fine.

 

[IJ.]

Mine have always come off with some gentle levering with a pair of screwdrivers.

 

[hottscennessey]

wow, what a day. removing both the crank pulley and the timing gear took some effort. I destoryed the little "walls" on the timing belt gear BTW. The crank seal came out in about 20 seconds with my pink screwdriver, so I'm like 99% possitive thats where the leak was comming from, but you don't think its likely that the leak could have come from behind the oil pump gear (IJ, lol)?

 

[IJ.]

Is there evidence of oil up that high?
(Use a q tip to swab it)

 

[hottscennessey]

well.. it doesnt look like it. But there is the problem. I had the cam seal go out a few months ago, It drenched the lower timing case.

 

[IJ.]

Ahhhh so it's polluted then

Does the seal look like it's popped out any?

 

[IJ.]

When you replace the seals smear some permatex #4 on the outside of the seal make sure the case is spottlessly clean (paint thinner works well for this)

Then smear some grease around the inner lip of the seal and reinstall!

This helps the seals slip into place with minimum pressure and when the permatex sets it helps stop them popping out again.

 

[hottscennessey]

It looks pretty good for the time actually, not like my exhaust camseal or the crankshaft seal. Those practically popped out.

 

[hottscennessey]

Thanks IJ, i saw that in another one of your posts, thats exactly what i plan on doing.

 

[IJ.]

I'm off to bed it's late here!

Good luck

 

[IJ.]

Thanks IJ, i saw that in another one of your posts, thats exactly what i plan on doing.

I'm old!

Old people tend to repeat themselves ...........