Persistant Oil Leak.......Grrrr!

[Bambino126]

This is now the 3rd time this year I've removed the engine from my car to try to cure an oil leak.
The leak is between the rear of the engine and the flywheel.

The 1st time I replaced both the rear crank oil seal, and the rear crank O-ring.

The 2nd time I replaced the whole rear main bearing itself (as it was suggested that if it was worn it would allow pressurised oil to escape). Upon reassembly I of course replaced the rear crank oil seal again, and the rear crank O-ring again, this time using an oil-proof sealant as a belt and braces method.

Its still leaking!

Looking very closely at the rear end of the crank it looks as though the oil has been coming out from the edges of the bronze bush that is fitted into the end of the crank. Is that possible?

I'll take some pictures to show what I mean.

[Bambino126]

[Bambino126]

[Bambino126]

[Gadge]

I had the very same problem with my old engine. I did the exact same thing as you did by replacing both the bearing and seal (twice with the seal) and still it leaked. I even thought it was the gearbox shaft seal but still it leaked. The last time I removed it after it blew I turned the crank by hand and noticed that it was weeping from the centre bronze bush (the spigot bearing) just like you mentioned. I obviously never replaced it. I fitted a brand new engine instead but I'm wondering now if there was a crack in it and was letting oil out. Perhaps the bush acts not only as a bush but as a kind of plug in the crank. The only way I guess is to replace it. The up side of this is that there not expensive - about a tenner

[Bambino126]

Thanks Gadge!

So where do I get the new bronze bush from?

And how on earth do I remove and replace it?   

[Gadge]

I've seen them on eBay. They're the same as the aircooled ones. I removed one years ago by tapping a thread down the middle, screwing in an appropriate sized bolt then using a small slide hammer (a hub puller may also work) it just popped out

[Bambino126]

Is this the right one for my BIS?

http://www.126fan.sk/eshop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19&products_id=298

[Gadge]

Yes that certainly looks the one

To get it in you just tap it lightly and squarely

[Bambino126]

Cheers I'll give it a go!