Thursday, August 24th, 2023 AT 9:39 PM
Developed sever oil leak at front of engine about a month ago. Until then, the engine used about 3/4 of a quart at oil change interval. The engine has received regular oil and (almost always) a new filter at each oil change. Have used almost exclusively Valvoline 5W-30 Full Synthetic, Hugh Mileage. The water pump, timing belt, pulley, tensioner changed about 3 years ago. The water pump was not leaking at that time. Belts, particularly the timing belt, clearly needed to be changed. This oil leak, particularly this extreme, just recently occurred with no particular indication. Just a wet spot under vehicle then of course on the frame. Removed and replaced the crankshaft and camshaft seals, though there was no indication of leaking from the camshaft seals. Visual inspection of and feeling the crankshaft did not observe or feel any grooves or scratches on the shaft. However, after reassembling and running the engine and vehicle showed oil under the vehicle after sitting overnight. I took the engine down again. After removing the harmonic dampener, I could not see an oil leak around the seal seat or around the crankshaft seal. I went ahead and removed the (otherwise” new seal and again no obvious leak point. I inspected the crankshaft seat more closely but also tried using the phone camera for better visual observation. There appears that there indeed is a wear ring and possible scratching/small grooves. But I couldn’t really feel them. It will be difficult to polish the shaft with emery cloth, but I suppose possible. However, since seal sleeves appear to be available for the crankshaft, rear and the camshaft I am wondering why not for the crankshaft, front? Or is there? Or of course, other options. I tried attaching two photos but didn’t see them.




