Heavy Leak From Front Main Seal 2000 93 SE

[tommyb50]

Hey All, first time here. I have a VERY heavy oil leak from Front Main Seal. Replaced PCV with current model (Eeuro). Replaced Front Seal. Very limited leak from beginning. As soon as I revved up engine the leak became extreme. Mechanic though it was the front seal. I am thinking the engine is not breathing properly.

Does anyone know a way to to test for this? I can put in another seal and hope for the best but am thinking that is not the problem.

[geoff 9-3]

Are you talking about the crankshaft oil seal behind the pulley?

[tommyb50]

Yes.

[geoff 9-3]

The oil pump is behind that seal. Was the oil pump front cover that holds the seal removed to fit the new seal?

[geoff 9-3]

Held in by the big circlip.

[tommyb50]

No. Should it have been? BTW: Thanks for responding.

[geoff 9-3]

It doesn’t need removing but it has a outer o-ring that stops the cover leaking.



Also when it’s removed and refitted make sure the alignment marks are correct.

[tommyb50]

Geoff, I'm going to check this out. Does the large circlip come off to release the cover in your photo (to get at the o-ring)?

[geoff 9-3]

Yes and its a bugger to remove and refit. Unless you have a decent circlip pliers.

[tommyb50]

I do have the pliers (huge). Even so, I know what you mean. I've read there may be a groove in the shaft. Any experience with that?