Crankshaft seal

[Bouje]

Is there a way to determine it the crankshaft seal is leaking before taking the crankshaft off?

[tempfixit]

What year vehicle, mileage, engine??? Not sure what your question is, are you referring to the harmonic balancer on the crankshaft, front seal or rear seal. How much does it leak??

Best is to clean the area you are referring too and then watch for leak.

I assume you are referring to the front seal. Will need more info for ssomeone to help.

[Bouje]

It is a 1997 Pontiac 3800 engine that I got from a junk yard. I was told it has 90k miles, but I think it has lots more.

The oil leak appears to be coming from the front seal around the harmonic balancer. After installing the engine and running for 10 minutes or so I noticed the oil leak. I would say it leaked about 1/4 quart, maybe a little more.

I had cleaned the engine. Nothing that I can think of would cause the oil to leak this fast. Since I am suspecting the oil seal I am needing to know how to go about taking the crankshaft off. It appears to be a big job. This is the only way I know for sure if it is the oil seal. --Thanks.

[MrPbody]

To repair a leak in the front, it isn't necessary to remove the crankshaft. The seal "surface" is on the balancer. I advise getting a service manual for the "step by steps" on how to remove the balancer and replace the seal. Removing the balancer in FWD cars can be "non-trivial".

It's probable that the seal has "hardened" if the engine has been sitting in the wreck for a while. It's also POSSIBLE, the balancer has a groove worn in it where the seal "rides". If that's the case, and seal is still "plyable" (soft enough it "moves" when you touch it), a "repair sleeve" for the balancer, or a new balancer, will correct the problem. You'll be able to tell once you get the balancer off.

Jim