Crankshaft oil seal leak ?
Discussion
Finally got my 97 500 up on axle stands all round to start a bit of chassis maintenance.
I was pleased to see I have the praised access hole in the bell housing, although a bit suprised to see there is no cover and you can see (indeed put your hand in and touch) the clutch assy and actuating lever etc.
Is this correct ?
I was less pleased to see the whole area (and hole area)all covered in oil.
Now it is obvious the sump gasket is leaking and I will have to address that, but oil has got up all around inside the bell housing.
Now it is possible that it is oil that has flowed backwards from the sump, but it has even got inside at the bottom of the bell housing in front of the hole, just below the clutch. Just where I suspect oil would seep from if the rear crankshaft seal is leaking.
I guess the only way to check is clean everything, fix the sump gasket and see if it continues.
Any thoughts ?
I guess its a gearbox out job to replace the seal ?
I was pleased to see I have the praised access hole in the bell housing, although a bit suprised to see there is no cover and you can see (indeed put your hand in and touch) the clutch assy and actuating lever etc.
Is this correct ?
I was less pleased to see the whole area (and hole area)all covered in oil.
Now it is obvious the sump gasket is leaking and I will have to address that, but oil has got up all around inside the bell housing.
Now it is possible that it is oil that has flowed backwards from the sump, but it has even got inside at the bottom of the bell housing in front of the hole, just below the clutch. Just where I suspect oil would seep from if the rear crankshaft seal is leaking.
I guess the only way to check is clean everything, fix the sump gasket and see if it continues.
Any thoughts ?
I guess its a gearbox out job to replace the seal ?
Edited by WokingWedger on Tuesday 22 January 07:36
The Gearbox should have a cover, big black plastic thing with TVR on it. Supprised it is missing as there not easy to remove.
The rear crank seals hardly ever fail and quite a major job to replace, another area is the rocker covers they leak and then the oil runs down the back of the engine bell housing.
The bottom of the gearbox has a metal blanking plate at the bottom is it getting in around there.
I suspect most of the oil has been driven in though the main access hole as the car is on the move.
I would do the easy bits first
Check rocker covers for leaks
Sort out sump gasket
Get cover for gear box
Your only main problem is the clutch plates and if they have be contaninated with oil. If they have then its a box out job and while your there you can have a look at the rear seal.
The rear crank seals hardly ever fail and quite a major job to replace, another area is the rocker covers they leak and then the oil runs down the back of the engine bell housing.
The bottom of the gearbox has a metal blanking plate at the bottom is it getting in around there.
I suspect most of the oil has been driven in though the main access hole as the car is on the move.
I would do the easy bits first
Check rocker covers for leaks
Sort out sump gasket
Get cover for gear box
Your only main problem is the clutch plates and if they have be contaninated with oil. If they have then its a box out job and while your there you can have a look at the rear seal.
Was it this oily? I don't have a cover for my bell housing either. The oil was originating from the sump gasket (no longer fitted); there's a whole lot of turbulance created when on the move which combined with a few droplets of oil does a good job of preventing the onset of corrosion in those inaccessible regions. 
I never experienced any clutch slip; the plates were dry.
I never experienced any clutch slip; the plates were dry.
WokingWedger said:
Bruce, yes mine looks just the same (looking through the hole).
I have no clutch slip either.
Have you had any thoughts about fitting a bung (where to get one)?
I've not because it's never been a problem. I don't think I've ever seen the item in question. Tell you what though: it'd take nothing at all to make one out of a circular piece of ally. Drill and tap a couple of holes in the bell-housing and job done with a smearing of sealant around the edge. I have no clutch slip either.
Have you had any thoughts about fitting a bung (where to get one)?
WW,
I have just replaced my clutch and seals this weekend, mine was covered in oil and the clutch started slipping. My crank seal was leaking along with the sump gasket. The bell housing was covered in oil and the clutch was contaminated with oil.
The other seals I replaced that can leak are the 2x crucifix seals that reside in the rear main bearing cap.
Try Tom at Bell Hill salvage in Bath for the cover, he is reasonable and delivers fast.
Regards, Mr Nordic
I have just replaced my clutch and seals this weekend, mine was covered in oil and the clutch started slipping. My crank seal was leaking along with the sump gasket. The bell housing was covered in oil and the clutch was contaminated with oil.
The other seals I replaced that can leak are the 2x crucifix seals that reside in the rear main bearing cap.
Try Tom at Bell Hill salvage in Bath for the cover, he is reasonable and delivers fast.
Regards, Mr Nordic
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