B20 oil leak fix??

[lelshaddai]

I just observed a large oil leak dripping between engine and transmission at the bell. I assume it is a rear main. I replaced that before when I had the engine out a couple years ago. It is very steady and drips all the time and steady. Can the rear main in a B20 be replaced without pulling the engine? I have pulled the gearbox before. It is not gearbox fluid. I have the green books but none of them have this procedure in them.

[mentepazza]

Replacing the rear Franck seal is a pain in the arse. No need to remove the engine. Remove the driveshaft, gearbox and do the job. It’s a 2 people job, tranny very heavy. Take your time. Did it DIY job and took me well over 12 hours 😤😤😤

[Triple-S]

Last year I thought my rear seal was leaking too. However, when having more work done, the source was investigated before major work in that area. It turned out to be a loose connection at the take-off for the oil pressure warning light (on the block under the manifold), the fan blowing the oil leakage back then down.
Take a look - far cheaper to fix!

P

[Army]

Originally Posted by Triple-S

Last year I thought my rear seal was leaking too. However, when having more work done, the source was investigated before major work in that area. It turned out to be a loose connection at the take-off for the oil pressure warning light (on the block under the manifold), the fan blowing the oil leakage back then down.
Take a look - far cheaper to fix!

P

Couldn't agree more - I don't have much experience of the B20 (yet) but other engine types (in particular Mercedes) often have "top down" leaking problems. Valve cover gaskets are one such popular problem.

As for the seals on my B20 it has been modified to have the more modern seals on either end of the crank - I'm kinda hoping the modern stuff is more reliable as well as being easier to fit.

[lelshaddai]

Since I have the new rubber seal setup I do not think I can go back to felt seals. I drive this car often so I do not think it is drying up. It has alway leaked a little, even after I replaced the seal the first time. It is just now the gates have opened and there is a huge leak, 10 inch diameter stain where it sits.

[c1800]

What is the condition of the crankshaft where the seal rides on? Often there is a groove worn and the new seal will leak. May need a Speedi Sleeve

https://www.skf.com/binary/26-128020...edi-Sleeve.pdf

Read this forum post for discussion and pictures.

http://forums.turbobricks.com/showth...+sleeve&page=2

[lelshaddai]

I have not removes the trans and flywheel yet to know that. But looks like I will know next week if I start the tear down.

[mentepazza]

Funny is volvo never solved this problem. 5 pot as well suffer the same problem.
Replacing that 10 pounds seal costs a lot of time and effort and money if you get it done by garages.

[arcturus]

Put a bucket under the drip and re cycle the oil

[Ron Kwas]

lel...;

Following with interest!...that's a fair amount of leakage, and it's source should be simple to determine, but before dropping trans, I'd make damn sure that oil is actually coming from inside there, presumably Rear Main (Rear Cam Cover is back there also, and it's also supplied by the oil system)...because I've seen it seep out from back of Valve Cover and gather there at the lowest spot...the first thought is always: ...leaky Rear Main...but a close inspection shows really where it comes from...and it's not there...

Good Hunting!