oil leak at timing chain cover 1500

[JoeV]

Hi all

I have a leak at the crankshaft where it exits the timing chain cover. Is this just the the seal in the timing cover or is there a seal behind the sprocket that may be the culprit? Anyone ever fix this sort of leak? I may want to try to over the winter. Drove it work today (10/11) top down
in the low 60's God I love this car! Plus it makes friends a guy in a worked VW jetta pulled beside me thumbs up and smiling. MG= less road rage, more fun, anyhow I'd appreciate any help you can offer
Thanks
Joe

 

[Bugeye58]

Joe, this one is a piece of cake to fix. Take the pulley off, and inspect the area that contacts the seal for any roughness, or wear in the contact area. If its all still nice and smooth, remove the timing cover, and replace the seal. Take a look at the tensioner blade inside the cover, and replace if necessary. If there is a groove in the pulley, there is a repair sleeve kit available for it at any NAPA store that presses over the sealing area of the pulley to restore it to a smooth surface again.
Also, make sure the oil slinger is in good shape, with the dished side facing the seal. This keeps oil away from the seal. If it is missing, or on backwards, the seal gets more oil than it can handle.
If I remember correctly, the 1500 midget has the dropped steering rack mount so you can do this with the engine in place.
Your shop manual should have detailed instructions about such things.
Jeff

 

[Biff]

Joe do as Jeff has said and when you go to re-install the timing cover on the new seal, center it on the seal by sliding the pulley on temporary and then start putting the bolts back in. Half the secret is getting the cover center on the seal. Put all the timing cover bolts in finger tight before taking them all the way home. This way you will have a better chance of keeping the cover center on the seal.