I just replaced my timing chain, oil pan gasket, timing chain gasket, and the front crankcase seal. The problem is I'm now getting a sporadic oil leak from under the pulley. It looks like the front seal is leaking but I'm not sure why. It's leaked about 1 qt in the last 600 miles or so. Anybody got any ideas? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

From under the crank pulley? I assume you changed the front main seal when you had it apart. Did you make sure the crank wasn't grooved where the seal rides? There is a sleeve available to cover this area in case of a groove caused by the original seal wearing out. Sometimes you can get away with putting the new seal on in a slightly different position, but with the ease of a sleeve why risk it.

Well the timing chain kit came with one front seal and the oil kit came with another front seal. The one in the oil kit had the metal sleeve like you describe and the other one didn't. So I installed the one that came with the timing chain kit without the sleeve. I didn't see any burs or damage to the crank.

Did you put some sealant back on that one oil pump bolt? That likes to leak if'n you didn't.

There is usually just a slight groove worn into the metal. If you were not looking for it I suppose it could be overlooked. That one bolt on the pump could also be the culprit if not sealed up when installed. Is the oil pan sealed well also?
Just thinking outloud. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

as kewlnx says there is a bolt that needs sealant on one of those oil pump bolts

You didn't mention anything about pulling the head and replacing the head gasket...so I assume you didn't?

If not, and assuming it's not the front oil seal, then that's the problem. The headgasket seals the top of the timing cover with the bottom of the head. In some cases, you can get away with not removing the head if you RTV up this area, since it's a low pressure area, but otherwise you'll have a slow leak here.

I've had one there for years after I did the timing chain job the "easy" way. After it leaked and I pulled it apart again to fix it, I really bungled the headgasket, so I just said screw it and cut off that part of the headgasket (hate to admit that) then a RTV'd the crud out of it and have been living with a slow leak ever since.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />


One of these days I'll do something about it. But I say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's why my truck is completely stock. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

which Oil Pump bolt is it that needs sealant

it is the one underneath the timing markers

Well I can tell you guys that the bolts are sealed and the oil is definitely coming from under the crank pulley so I think dentcolletor may be right. Each time it leaks it slings the oil all over the engine compartment. I guess I'll have to tear it back down and install the metal sleeve. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />