Oil leaking between flywheel and sump. Crank oil seal is suspect?

[AlleyNiki]

Hi guys,

I've been trying to find the source of this oil leak since day 1.

The engine side of the flywheel has fresh oil on it, after driving.

 No oil on the clutch side or gearbox, only black dust.

I replaced the oil pan and gasket, as a matter of precaution and still the exact same problem.   

Considering my oil level goes down every few weeks I would say it's the engine oil and not transmission.

I think it's the crank bearing oil seal behind the flywheel. Does anyone else think this is a good call? And can it be replaced just by removing the flywheel outside or does the crank shaft have to come out?

I have the manual for the car but it seems to skip over replacing this oil seal...

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thankyou in advance guys,

Alastair

[Pete126]

Hi Alastair
You will need to take the engine and gearbox out, The seal is just a press fit.
While you have the engine out check the back engine bearing for wear, oil leaking out of the rear seal is usually caused by a worn rear bearing. also check the big end bearings, The front bearing support is usually O.K.
 

[AlleyNiki]

While you have the engine out check the back engine bearing for wear, oil leaking out of the rear seal is usually caused by a worn rear bearing. also check the big end bearings, The front bearing support is usually O.K.
 

Hi Pete,

How does one check the back end bearing? Are there tell-tale signs to look for? And is this done by looking inside the engine, or just behind the flywheel?

Thanks for the quick response!

Alastair

[Pete126]

The engine needs to come out to replace the seal, when you take the flywheel off you can undo the the back bearing bolts that hold the carrier and pull the bearing from the crank to inspect it

[ChrisRLewis]

Don't forget to mark the flywheel so that it goes back on the same position.  Few people have been caught out in the past with this.

[AlleyNiki]

Thanks guys

I'm going to have fun taking this engine out!