[Vwdiesel] Oil leak

[Kurt Nolte]

I'll admit that I've used some not-so-good methods, and I've used some 
much more preferable methods.

First time I did it involved a prybar, a second person, and the timing 
hole in the transmission. Never again. N.e.v.e.r again. That episode 
ended up with me getting cracked in the face when we swapped places and 
the bar slipped while I was holding the wheel (stuck bolt).

For engines out of the car, I've actually made a flywheel lock out of 
some steel tube and bent scrap steel. Use one of the engine/transmission 
bolts and the thing locks it in place.

For belt jobs in the car I have a short bit of angle iron that I cut 
several holes in one end of. Two of them are bolt-holes, spaced so I can 
bolt the iron to the crank sprocket. The other hole is big enough to 
have clearance to get a socket on the crank bolt, and sits between the 
bolt holes. Bolt the tool on, set the other end against the ground, and 
loosen from above. Also works for tightening it, if you flip the tool over.

Stole that idea from some folks on various VW diesel forums, so I can't 
take credit for it. I am thinking, though, that since the four bolt 
holes are not symmetrically placed on a crank sprocket that the fastener 
holes need to be slots, to accommodate different crank sprocket positions.

I've done three diesel timing belts and a pair of gasser belts in the 
past three years, so... I'm getting reasonably quick at it, I think.

-Kurt


Will Taygan wrote:
> Thanks Kurt, I like the tips.
>
> I'm getting ready to replace all the seals on my freshly rebuilt 1.6NA
> in the '82 Westy.  Seems like the rebuild shop used "Top Line" seals.
> Not so good?  poorly installed?  overpressured crankcase?  dunno.
> Putting in a Sabo OEM (Brazil) set $42 from AutohausAZ.
>
> Question is, how do you like to lock the main crank to remove the bolt?
> Last time I dropped the oil pan and stuck a piece of wood between the
> crank and block.  And my goodness, the oil pan is a tight fit at the
> tranny on the Vanagons.
>
> Will in Alaska.
>
> On Fri, 2009-12-18 at 12:52 -0500, Kurt Nolte wrote:
>   
>> Joe,
>>     
>
>   
>> If you can handle a timing belt, the front crank seal is just a few 
>> short steps past that. You'll need to add a new seal, seal carrier 
>> gasket, and a new crankshaft bolt to your list of parts (should probably 
>> replace the TB, if it's been oil-fouled). If you have access to a vice 
>> then the job is /super easy/.
>>
>> Remove everything as though you were going to do a timing belt job.
>> Remove the sprocket, discard stretch-bolt securing it.
>> Remove the handful of small bolts holding the seal carrier to the 
>> engine, and pull the seal carrier. Make sure all the gasketing is 
>> cleaned away and you have bare block and bare carrier.
>>
>> To remove and install the seal from the carrier, I use a bench vice and 
>> two sockets. One is ~the same diameter as the seal, and the other is big 
>> enough for the seal to fit inside. I have big sockets laying around, but 
>> you could use a bit of pipe or something for either of these bits.
>>
>> Wrap or tape the edge of your bigger pipe, set it against the sealing 
>> surface of the carrier, then fit your smaller socket on the other side 
>> to press against the seal. Slowly close the vice, out comes the seal.
>>
>> Wet the new seal with oil, get it settled against the carrier, and 
>> gently push it in with the same method until it's well seated.
>>
>> New gasket, reinstall, new crank bolt, and finish your timing belt job.
>>
>> Of course, you probably knew all of that, now that I spot your "more 
>> than I'm willing to do" comment.
>>
>> -Kurt
>>
>> Joe wrote:
>>     
>>> Actually, my oil leak appears to be on the "front" of the engine, as it's
>>> starting to throw oil off the timing belt.  (I run it coverless)  And the
>>> drip marks on the driveway are primarily on that side.  I usually have to
>>> feed it a quart every 500 miles or so.  Haven't been able to locate it
>>> precisely yet.  I'm afraid it's the crankcase seal, which is more than I can
>>> do... Or rather, more than I am willing to do.
>>>
>>> Joe
>>>       
> -snip-
>
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