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Oil Leak

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Geo Hahn

Geo Hahn

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A freind with a '59 Sprite sent me the following email...

[ QUOTE ]
Took white Sprite for long spin on Sunday. Noticed an oil drip...yeah, more than usual. Put it on the lift while running and could see oil dripping from below the crank pulley on the OUTSIDE of the pulley where the 3 timing marks hang down....what thinks thou? Front seal shot? Timing cover leak? Can fix in car or is this the big one?

[/ QUOTE ]

Based on my TR experience this seems likely to be the seal between the pulley and timing chain cover (as opposed to the seal on the front of the block). On TRs that seal can leak & can be repaired by pulling the crank pulley and timing cover. I also mentioned that while in there a new timing chain and tensioner are cheap insurance.

I also mentioned that often it isn't just the seal that has worn but also the inside pulley surface that the seal rides against... meaning a new seal by itself won't help much. I suggested that in those cases a 'Speedi Sleeve' is used to present a better surface for the seal.

I see Moss appears to offer a Speedi Sleeve for this engine.

My questions (at last) -- Since my advice was based on TR engines... is this a reasonable conclusion for the Sprite? If it is that seal can it be addressed with the engine still in the car? Is there a crossmember that can/should be removed to make the pulley easier to get at?

Any advice welcome. Thanks!
 
You are correct. Yep can get the pully off with engine in the car but it has to be lifted way up to clear that cross member, off the motor mounts and such. As in the TR that seal on the front of the chain cover is felt and easly replaced. Would suggest that you check the timeing chain and gears while you are so close.
 
jlaird said:
...can get the pully off with engine in the car but it has to be lifted way up to clear that cross member, off the motor mounts and such.
Click to expand...

I need to replace the seal on the timing chain cover and the only way I have to lift the engine is with a floor jack. Does the oil pan need to be removed first so as to alleviate any damage or is it possible to simply place a board under it?

Thanks,
Mike
 
Jack/board under oil pan should be no problem (Just watch your fingers while you work). Ask about how to properly center the cover before tightening it down.
 
I put the front cover on and stuck the pulley on the crank and allowed the cover to center on the pulley hand tightened a few bolts.
Anybody else have a trick? Seemed to work for me. If it's a untouched 59" it probley still has a packing type seal on the crank to cover seal. now maybe a good time to find a good used unit that uses the conventional rubber seal.
I tried to get my org. cover unit to not leak with little success.
Found a cover on ebay for 35$ well worth it.
Your freind needs to join us here there some real experenced guys that share the know how.
 
Good point Chris. What type engine are we talking about? 1275 or 948?
 
Oh one more thing, start looking for the socket to fit the crank bolt I forget the size.. Help someone .. and if you dont have one source an impact wrench cuz that sucker is on there tight!! Take a good look at the pulley, not sure on the 1275 but the 948 it was a pressed togather affair and it had some cracks and the rivets were loose on the hub.
 
texas_bugeye said:
Oh one more thing, start looking for the socket to fit the crank bolt I forget the size
Click to expand...

Thanks, I believe the socket size is 1 13/16. I have also ordered a new crank pulley from MiniMania.

Mike
 
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