I have a leak from the lower timing belt cover area...
From the location where I am seeing oil dripping, it is not "centered" under the crank pulley, but somewhat offset towards the exhaust/manifold side of the engine (opposite side from being under the intermediate shaft). Is it possible just the front main seal carrier is leaking, but not the main seal its self? If bolts were loose or something?
I know I should probably have the intermediate seal, the o ring, and the main seal on hand when I pull it apart, (recently replaced cam seal, tensioner and t belt) BUT IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE IT COULD BE IN THE AREA?
I pulled the upper timing belt cover, degreased/pressure washed it and sat and watched and it is clear that it is not coming from the cam or the area above, but it is leaking somewhere below the lower black plastic cover.
Thanks for any input! Tips? Much appreciated..
pull the vac pump and use a drill to run the oil pump .
watch it leak...
From top to bottom is the valve cover, cam seal, sides of #1 cam bearing cap if sealant wasn't used on it to bridge between the cam seal and the valve cover gasket, head oil galley plug, head gasket (very unlikely but could leak from one of the corner oil return holes to the exterior of the engine), intermediate shaft seal, intermediate shaft seal carrier o-ring, block oil galley plug at the intermediate shaft (I've had that be the culprit more than once), crank seal, crank seal carrier gasket.
if its a pressuure leak my test above will show the leak when not running... if its a vc gasket, breather port issue in block no... but gallies so on with my method.. simple no guess watch it leak..
Thanks for the tip crsmp5. And everyone else, especially libby, thanks for the description of where it could leak from. It is definitely not the cam. I've got new seals and plan to pull it apart tomorrow..