Oh Sheist!! Now What?

[tshih]

Just replaced what I thought was a leaky main (flywheel) oil seal and refilled with oil and restarted. Now oil leak when car is running is worse than before although with engine stopped it appears to stop. What could be the problem? During replacement I did knock the seal in too deep initially and pried it back off and reseat by bolting on the flywheel. I examined the reused new seal and it appears to be fine before replacng in the spot behind the flywheel.

[nine_one_4]

Sounds like you could use one of these leak detection kits.

[tshih]

No need for leak detection. I'm just wondering if anyone uses Curil T or other sealant on the seal before installation. Also can someone post a photo of a properly installed main seal so I know what it should look like before I bolt everything back up again. Does using the flywheel (bolts it back on pushing the seal onto the crankshaft) to reinstall the seal (lightly oiled with motor oil) create my problem?

[tshih]

Nine_one_4, do you mean there may be other leaks besides the main seal that I'm experiencing? That is possible.

[galto]

What did you mean the seal was put in too deep? You can't seat the seal too deep, so far as I know. It should bottom out on the bottom flange. Also, any time you have the flywheel off you should re-check the end-play.
I don't oil the seals as any time I have, I have had to replace them. Are you sure you seal was bad and not something in the crank ventilation? (Plug your nose and mouth up and blow, that's what you engine could be doing)
NEVER pry out and re-use seals. They have small bumps that get crushed as inserted to keep the seal nice and tight. Also, make sure when you put the seal in that it goes in square. Ofsets can ruin a seal. When I rebuilt my motor, the seal sat down just a little bit from the case. A cheap seal will leak oil, so make sure to get a good quality.