Keith,
Thanks for your reply, it is the front right. The front crank seak is OK, it's the rear that leaks. The oil filter housing, head gasket and sump gasket also leak to some extent. And the power steering pump leaks too.
I lose about a litre of oil every couple of months, it's been the same for at least a year. Most of the garages are advising me not to bother fixing it, but the mechanic I spoke to recently thinks he can replace the rear crank seal for about £70. I'm wondering if this is over optimistic.
I had the flexi drive plate replaced about 18 months ago. Could this have made the rear crank seal worse?
Mark.
If by 'offside' you mean the right front (sitting in the car looking
> forward - we have both LHD and RHD cars on this list and this can be
> confusing), then you also mean the front main seal not rear. If so: Yes,
> it is not that bad a job. You remove the fender liner, serpentine belt and
> crank pulley and you have access. Make sure that he replaces the oil pump
> o-ring as well. I do not know if your block is am early or a late, but the
> early ones have a series of bolts holding the oil pump housing on and the
> later ones have a large circlip.
>
> If you truly mean the rear main seal (between the engine and
> transmission), you have to drop the transmission to get to it. This is
> best done when you replace the clutch on a 5sp. On an Auto, this should be
> done when the auto tranny is removed for major service. It is a BIG job. >
> KeithG
>
> Mark Carter wrote:
>> I've been told I need to replace my rear crank seal. It's on a 1993
>> 9000 2.3 Auto, 199,000 miles.
>>
>> It's one of 4 leaks, but seems to be the worst. My mechanic has said
>> he can replace it working through the offside wheel arch. Does this
>> sound possible? Any idea how difficult this is?
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Mark.