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Blacktop Zetec Rear Crank Seal Oil Leak
Plunky - 7/5/17 at 04:32 PM

Afternoon all,
I took the car for a good run out today down to Goodwood this morning, circa 230 miles.
This has been the first proper run out in the car since fitting a new crate engine late last year.
When the new engine was fitted I noticed a small oil leak between the bellhousing and block but didn't think much of it as it was fairly minor. Since running the car today this leak has somewhat developed.
My initial thoughts are that the rear crank seal has been caught when the engine was fitted and damaged the seal thus causing a leak which has developed further with use.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Liam

cliftyhanger - 7/5/17 at 05:27 PM

what sump are you using? what breather setup?

Plunky - 7/5/17 at 05:35 PM

quote:
Originally posted by cliftyhanger
what sump are you using? what breather setup?


Raceline sump.
What do you mean by breather set up? I have both crankcase outlets venting into a filtered catch can.

cliftyhanger - 7/5/17 at 08:31 PM

Those should both be fine (some block breathers off, or restrict them, not a good idea)

Looks like a gearbox out jobbie to have a proper look.

Plunky - 8/5/17 at 07:43 AM

quote:
Originally posted by cliftyhanger
Those should both be fine (some block breathers off, or restrict them, not a good idea)

Looks like a gearbox out jobbie to have a proper look.


That's what I thought.
Engine out job then!

Plunky - 8/5/17 at 08:08 AM

Where would be the best place to get a new seal, with installation tool?

coozer - 8/5/17 at 08:40 AM

Could be the seal has perished with sitting in the crate since it was made in 2004....

[Edited on 8/5/17 by coozer]

rusty nuts - 8/5/17 at 11:37 AM

This seems to be a fairly common problem even with a "new" crate engine? Have you changed the flywheel ? I believe that the flywheel bolts may need shortening for some flywheels? Before stripping I would double check the location of the leak, as said it could be the rear main oil seal

Plunky - 8/5/17 at 11:41 AM

I think it's a new flywheel, came with the engine

Plunky - 11/5/17 at 01:57 PM

Update:
Pulled the engine out today and had a look at the rear main seal.
The seal itself looks ok with no obvious signs of wear or damage. There was however a lot of oil around the housing gasket area and from the sump gasket in this area.
I've ordered new seals and gaskets so will fit these and hope there are no more leaks.