I mean leaks.. but... there's a story. Car came to me with bad oil leak on front of engine somewhere. Look all over for leaks, took off covers and belts. Nothing obvious, so partial re-assemble and run to check without covers.

With all covers taken off, and only t-belt and balancer belt in place, there are no leaks anywhere. WTF. It leaked like a quart every hour all put together.

Put on alternator and ps belts, without covers. Leaks like crazy around front crank main seal. It seems that alternator and ps belts put enough tension on crankshaft to pull shaft sideways and allow leak. When alternator belt and ps belt are loosened almost to the point of slipping, the oil leak slows down to a seep instead of a fast dribble.

If crankshaft is being pulled sideways by the belts, is main bearing of crankshaft so badly worn that engine is nearly toast? Will a new seal fix it long-term, or are new crank bearings needed? If I dial-indicator measure crankshaft side play, how much is allowed?

Thanks, Jiggs

 

If your going to do all that, IMO you should just either get another motor or rebuild it. May be less of a hedache down the road.

 

Why not just replace the $15 dollar seal, and see for yourself if it's going to leak, rather than for contemplating buying a new engine ? We would have no way of knowing.

 

I agree with the replace-seal and see what happens. I'm hoping that works.

I was hoping someone would have run into this specfic problem, and would have told me to bail out or proceed with seal fix and it'll be fine, or tell me with some degree of certainty how long the engine can last with that loose a front bearing.

I will have to buy new timing belt stuff; idlers, waterpump, belts and stuff. Its a bit of a gamble, but if it works out, all will be good. If it doesn't work out.... oh well, its not too deep a gamble.

The cogged pulley for the timing belt pulley thats on the crankshaft, does anyone know how to get that off? I got a prybar behind it and it won't budge. How hard do I have to pull on it?

Thanks, Jiggs.

 

Oil seal is replaced, couple thousand miles, no further leaks. Car seems to be running fine.

I was worried about the crankshaft bearing being loose, but there doesn't seem to be anything to worry about - yet.

Any further trouble, I'll post results.

Jiggs

 

I was just gonna say replace that front seal. No need for a new engine as that will be hassle. Glad you fixed it though.