Oil Leak Question

DavidI · 04:26 PM

I have an 83SC with a 3.0. An oil leak developed near the crank pulley. I used carb cleaner to clean off the area and nail down the location of the leak. On the attached photo, there is a red arrow and a blue one. The red arrow is to help you locate where the pieces join behind the pulley. If you follow the seam up and around to the top, that is where I found the oil leak as indicated by the blue arrow (behind the fan belt and alternator housing of course). Is this the dreaded nose bearing leak? I hope not. If it was the pulley leak, would it be closer to the crankshaft where the pulley attaches? Any help is appreciated....

David

DavidI · 02-18-2005, 04:31 PM

I have done the searches for the past few hours and also saw mention of an "intermediate shaft cover" that also leaks. I cannot find a photograph to reference where it is located. I would appreciate one if someone has one.

Thanks, David

J Smith · 02-18-2005, 04:43 PM

Here's the cover (and gasket behind it). I believe it's below the pulley.

MovOvr1 · MovOvr1's Garage

I am interested in this as well.

DavidI · 02-18-2005, 04:49 PM

Thanks Josh, it is definitely not the intermediate shaft seal. I fear it is the nose bearing seal. Someone will soon chime in.

David

DavidI · 02-18-2005, 05:36 PM

If the leak is in fact the nose bearing seal, is there another repair besides a teardown? I don't want to do a rebuild just to fix this leak. Is there a high temperature silicon sealer that I could use?

David

magic930 · 02-18-2005, 05:47 PM

If the leak is at the seal then you can replace the seal without a teardown or removing the engine as long as you can get the pulley off. If the leak is on the outside of the bearing you can try to use Dow Conrning 730 Sealant as long as it is a small seeping type leak. you have to get the area really clean. I managed to fix a tiny pinhole leak above this bearing at the case seam with this stuff. 730 is $80 a tube ... I still have it it your interesed in giving it a try.

DavidI · 02-18-2005, 07:42 PM

magic, if in fact others chime in and affirm that the leak is the nose bearing seal, I will definitely take you up on your offer. Thank you very much.

David

sammyg2 · 02-19-2005, 06:44 AM

If the oil leak is as high as the blue arrow I would normally suspect something else like the distributor o-ring or a cam oil line or fitting.
Unfortunately because the engines are air cooled the flow of air can play tricks on you when it comes to tracking down oil leaks by causing the oil to travel all over the place.
BTW, both of those other possible sources are easy to fix, unlike the #8 bearing o-ring.

If you get serious about it here's a way to be certain: go to pep boys or any other big FLAPS.
They sell a UV type of dye that is safe to add to oil. You just pour some in, start it up and let it run, then turn on the black light (supplied in the kit) along with some special glasses.
The dye will glow under the black light.
If you do it quickly you will see exactly where the leak starts before it has a chance to migrate around and try to fool you. If you wait too long you will be back to cleaning everything off and trying again. The smaller the leak the longer it will take for an indication to show up.

BTW, what oil are you using?

yelcab1 · 02-19-2005, 07:15 AM

Possibly nose bearing. Possible crankshaft seal. One is easy, the other is really hard. If it is just a drop or two each time you drive it, can you learn to live with it until a major tear down?

DavidI · 02-19-2005, 12:40 PM

I think I will buy the dyed oil like Sam recommended. I am using Castrol GTX 20-50. I don't think it is the oil though. It leaks a consistent drop while the engine is running. Too much for my comfort level.

I hope it is not the nose bearing. If it is, I am going to try everything I can do not to do a tear down. The engine runs great. I was thinking of stuffing an o-rind in the gap and using magic's Dow Corning 730 sealant to seal it. What do I have to lose if it is the nose bearing?

Any opinions JW?

Thanks, David

DavidI · 02-19-2005, 12:42 PM

The oil trickles out of the area where the red arrow is. It starts at the 12 o'clock position and drips down both sides. If it were the pulley seal, wouldn't it be closer to the area where the pulley is bolted on?

Thanks, David

DavidI · 02-20-2005, 11:18 AM

Anyone?

jason2guy · 02-20-2005, 11:24 AM

had the same thing going on, exactly. changed out the pulley seal and int cover gasket- leak stopped. instead of pouring dyed oil and all that other stuff just do the same thing i did. just take your time and do it right. you cant tell whats wrong by looking down there w/a flashlight.

jason2guy · 02-20-2005, 11:25 AM

north hollywood, me too. need help? come on by

DavidI · 02-20-2005, 11:35 AM

Thanks Jason. I sent you a PM.

David