Crank oil seal leak - what does this mean?

[PaddyB]

Hello again -

Saga continues for me. I had the 156 JTS Selespeed taken to an ACT workshop to obtain a roadworthy certificate for registration purposes (the vehicle had it's rego cancelled by the previoius owner on delivery to me).

I was advised by this workshop that the vehicle is leaking oil and it appeared to be coming from a crank seal? I have absolutely no idea what a crank seal is, nor where it's located and how big a repair this may be.

Can anyone advise what sort of money I would be looking at to have this repaired? Does it need to be done by Alfa or is it a task that a general mechanic could undertake easily?

I'd welcome any feedback... Cheers

Patrick

[Cool Jesus]

Patrick, the job depends on your capabilities and access to tools. I'll assume tools are minimal and mechanical aptidue is low (correct me if I'm mistaken). The crank seal is at the front of the engine. A rubberized metal ring that seals around the main shaft where the puller that spins all the accessories is. Depending on accessibility to that area, it's a relatively easy job on most vehicles and doesn't require any special tools, so any mechanic can do the job. It Would require removal of a timing case cover, so thered be a  it to remove of the front of the engine. I've rarely had a mechanic work on my cars, but I can't imagine it costing more than a few hundred. Would be cheaper if you sourced the seal and related gaskets yourself and supplied it to the mechanic you could save a little on parts. There are mechanic shops that do give a set price, start with an Alfa mech then try a few independants for a price. I'd be interested to hear what's quoted.

[PaddyB]

Thanks for the response - you're correct, my mechanical aptitude is low & this is a challenge for me. I value your comments and feedback & will let you know how I go although I'm thinking it's an expensive problem to fix.

Again, thanks!

[Cool Jesus]

Hopefully someone with some hands on experience with a 156 may be able say how difficult or not a job it is. As far as a leaking crankshaft seal, how bad is the leak? Is it just dripping a few drops after standing still or is coating the front of the engine? If its small, it will just be a matter of keeping an eye on your oil level. If its heavier it really should be fixed sooner rather than later, although you say the mechanic is failing the RWC for the leak. Hmm, you could fudge it to get you past the RWC, if the leak is small, chuck in some stop leak and give it a good clean before the inspection. If its heavier theres no way around it, it needs to be repalced. At least you'll get to use the car until you can organise its proper repair... Keep in mind that when speaking of the front, thats the no. 1 cylinder end, I'm guessing its to the left side of the engine bay as you stand at the front for a front wheel drive.

I guess these are the pitfalls of purchasing second hand vehicles. Why was the rego cancelled? I hope you you negotiated the purchase price to suit.

[colcol]

Changing a crank seal is about as difficult as changing the cam belt, i have never done a crank seal on a 156, but i did one on my 33 a few months ago, the access to the crank seal on a 156 is suprisingly good, as you have access to the seal through the right hand side wheel opening, however, i would strongly recomend having the timing belt done at the same time, here is why, the oil is most likely leaked onto the timing belt, and it is now contaminated with oil, so have it changed, the same goes for the seldom mentioned balance shaft belt, if this belt breaks, you may say, so what?, your engine may vibrate more, well yes it will right up to the point when the balance shaft belt gets caught up in the timing belt and flicks it off and ruins your motor, and these engines are very smooth because they have a balance shaft to smooth out the engine and they also have a EXTERNAL balance harmonic balance on the crankshaft, this is a pulley with a rubber sandwich between the crankshaft and the pulley to smooth vibrations out, if the rubber gets contaminated with oil, the rubber will swell and ruin your harmonic balance, which will eventually cause the valve timing to go haywire, with the results, a wrecked engine, if you feel you can do a timing belt change on one of these motors, go ahead, if not, slowly drive it to an Alfa workshop, and have it done properly, Colin.

[wankski]

umm.. first... there are two oil seals.

one front, one rear. as in rear of flywheel. leave this until clutch is due... g/b out job...

front is no piece of cake either... timing belt and key needs to be removed to do so.... ONLY A SPECIALIST can service the timing gear on alfas..

this is what the front seal looks like on the v6....



yup - u can't see it... timing key off!

special tools needed. NO GENERAL MECHANICS!!

BUT! the question is.. why is your front seal leaking - if it is that?? this is pretty rare... is your engine high mileage? can you move the crank pulley back and forth by tugging it? with the front seal gone, i slightly suspect worn thrust bearing... so again, have an alfa guy look it over... as there may be underlying issues... and they will tell you straight up what the issue is...

for those in melb, i HIGHLY recommend lance dixon alfa in doncaster. great guys. sorry i can't help w/ ACT.

[AlfaACT]

Patrick,
I have sent you, via a forum Personal Message (PM), a list of the Alfa service agents in the ACT.
I strongly recommend that you talk to any, or a couple, of them about the problems that you are experiencing.
Peter.