I had another thread about a 92 5-spd with 36K miles but it must have benn deleted or something. Anyways, I bought the car and it runs great, very quick. However, it is leaking oil from somehwere, and I think is something almost directly above the oil pan. It's leaking kinda fast, about 1/2 qt. every couple of hours. It doesnt seem to leak while the car is sitting, only after being driven. Any thoughts?

 

How do you know that it was leaking oil? Is there a puddle beneath the vehicle? Or the oil just mysteriously dissapear? If so, maybe it was burned instead of leaked out? Especially since you said it only 'leaks' when driven, and not when sitting still. Hard to see anything leaking when you're driving!

 

above the oil pan is pretty generic..
which side of the pan? how far above?

is the dipstick tube stuck in the block well?
front main seal in good shape?
oil pump all look good?

 

Yeah after I drive it and park there are a few oil spots beneath the car. The oil is coming from the passenger side of the pan. Im gonna have to get it washed tomorrow, since that whole area is kinda coated. It looks like it could be coming either from the crank seal or the oil pan gasket. Do either of these have problems with failing, or is it basically a toss up? Also, if it is a seal, would any additives help to stop the leak?

 

Well today I added some engine stop leak, so hopefully that will do it. If not, how hard would it be to replace the crank seal? Im guessin that that's where it's coming from, since it only leaks when the car is running. Anyways, thanks for any input.

 

yup.. crank seal is a very common problem.

on the VE engine, it's not too hard to replace. pull the belts off and yank the crank pulley, then the seal is right there. (it actually fits around the shaft on the crank pulley).

replace it with a new one and you're good to go.


the VG is a whole different nightmare though, becuase you've got to pull the timing belt too. ugh.

 

Allright thanks. This sounds like a good excuse to get a lightened pulley.

 

same reason I bought one too.