Crank case seal

James Avis · 02-02-2003, 10:15 AM

I have just rebiult a 2.2S engine , within 5 mins of starting up it has a oil leak past the seal behind the fly wheel, it is leaking oil between the crank and the seal not the seal to crank case ,is there an update or cure as i hate oil leakes PLEASE HELP
James Avis

Doug Zielke · 02-02-2003, 10:19 AM

Before you installed the seal, did you inspect the crankshaft where the seal lip rides, for wear?

James Avis · 02-02-2003, 10:23 AM

Yes the crank was checked and balanced before biulding and was all good

Jim Sims · 02-02-2003, 06:08 PM

The easy check is to install a new seal; there is the possibility the one presently installed was damaged. Lightly lubricate the rubber lip of the new seal and the sealing land on the crank with oil and then use the proper seal installation tool.

Was the bore of the case checked and the bearing to journal clearances checked with plasti-gage? If these are out of specification the sealing land on the crank can have too much wobble or run out for the seal lip to follow and maintain a good seal. When the crank was checked and balanced was the rear main seal sealing land on the crankshaft also checked for wear? This has to be more than a visual inspection as the wear can be subtle. If the lands are worn there are two possible fixes I know of: regrind the land (not recommended unless the hardening is restored and then the whole crankshaft should be reground) and use an oversize bore seal or install a "Speedi-sleve" land repair sleeve which can be used with a standard seal.

Cheers, Jim

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Installing a new seal means dropping the engine though. This seal very seldom leaks. Check the top of the engine all the way in the back to see if any other components are leaking, and dripping down through the transmission housing...

-Wayne