crankshaft oil leak

[Tinovolpe]

Hey guys it's me again. My 2001 SEL DOHC has what I'm pretty sure is a leak from the crankshaft seal behind the pulley. Oil is dripping on the exhaust so it leaves an unpleasent smaell in the cabin once the car is warmed up. I'm surprised that I haven't been able to find too much info or you tube videos on changing this seal. The service manual makes it look almost too easy. Before I decide whether to tackle this is there anything I should know? I don't want to start something I can't finish. After going through a lot of trouble with fixing engine misfire and lean codes which took me over a month to figure out I don't have a lot of fight left in me if this is going to be complicated. Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks

[shorod]

Before replacing the crankshaft seal, I'd suggest cleaning the oil off of the underside of the engine, installing some dye for engine oil in to the crankcase, and drive it a bit, checking regularly with a UV light for signs of the dye. This will help you pinpoint where the leak is coming from versus replacing a seal that may not be the culprit. If you haven't found much on how to replace this seal, there's probably good reason for that - it probably doesn't fail very often.

-Rod

[tempfixit]

Which engine duratec or vulcan? I agree with shorod, it could be the front cover or oil pan gasket also.

There is a kit for the crankshaft pulley (Harmonic balancer) that has a sleeve if need be.

[Tinovolpe]

It's a Duratec and yeah it would suck if I replaced the seal only to find out that's not the source. Can I get this dye at a place like Autozone. Actually that's a good idea to do a little more leg work to find out where the leak is coming from. I'll let everyone know what I find.

[shorod]

I know at least O'Reilly Auto Parts around here sells the dye. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the other parts houses also sell it. Just be sure you get the dye for engine oil versus the dye for the A/C system or cooling system/water. Generally the dye for engine oil is also for power steering fluid and transmissions as well.

-Rod

[Tinovolpe]

After examining the area more closely and doing a bit of cleanup it's definitely coming from the crankshaft oil seal, and its dripping right on the exhaust pipe so the smell of burning oil is annoying. Now the service manual makes changing this seal sound really easy..almost too easy. If I attempt this myself can anyone see any pitfalls that I should be aware of. As it is it will be a crappy job because I'll have to do it through the wheel well.

[Tinovolpe]

Just to update everyone, I caved on this and took it to the dealer since they had to handle a recall for the trottle cable on my car. They confirmed it was a crankshaft seal and the oil leakage damaged the harmonic balancer which was wobbling causing engine vibration. So they replaced the two items to the tune of 460 buck (after a 20% coupon was applied). Tell you what though the car seems to run a lot smoother and I haven't had that annoying cylinder three misfire since they did it. That however could be a complete coincidence. We'll see.