89 LX 2.3 Possible Front Seal Leak

BurnDoGG · 05-27-2008

Just received this car pretty much free. 110K on it, runs great but has a major oil leak from the front area of the engine. Any cheap way of fixing this front seal if that is what it is? And how do I confirm that is what it is? I am adding a quart of oil every week or so if that helps any...lots of oil on bottom of car, I was told its been leaking for a while.

Cobrajet67 · 05-27-2008

you need to clean the engine off with degreaser if you can't see where it's coming from first. if it is definately from the front of the engine it is probably the oil pan, valve cover, or front cover gasket. It could also be a seal.

pootitang · 05-27-2008

While you are washing down the motor look down from the distributor; just above the oil pan and towards the crank pulley is the oil separator, a stamped steel box like device which the PCV valve plugs into.
I had a similar experience with my 'tang when I got it and found that the separator had worked loose covering the bottom of her and leaving her mark every where we parked, and going through oil like drinks at happy hour!

NavySVO · 05-27-2008

Don't go hosing it down though....use a few cans of CRC Brakleen. It will dry on it's own and gets all the stuff off without leaving a residue.
There is a front seal as well. Usually it is the rear seal to poop out, but the front can go just as easily. Take the timing cover off to get a better idea what you have going on, as your belt might be oil soaked and that will destroy a belt over time.

BurnDoGG · 05-29-2008

Is there an easy quick fix to this or is it a must that I replace the front seal, because I am taking it to a mechanic to take a peek at it and tell me where the leak is and if its worth fixing. The car otherwise is in good shape all around, little rust but interior is loaded and in great shape.

b_chandler · 05-29-2008

A bad front crank seal certainly isn't a death sentence for the car. It's a relatively easy fix if you're handy. There's no band-aid for the problem though, if that's what you're asking.

BurnDoGG · 05-29-2008

Ok, thats basically what I was asking, will get th mechanic to take a peek at it, Im not that handy around vehicles, just minor work, nothing like this.