Oil leaks

[georgeb]

Power wash the engine then look for fresh leakage. The volume suggests one or both of the crank seals. There should be a puddle after the slung oil runs down and out.

[Movin]

Do the big sheet of cardboard and car on jack stands test. Use a good light to follow the
trail back to its sources.

[crzylatina25]

my festy had the exact same problem. i was losing so much oil because every seal in the engine was leaking. since my timing covers are off, oil was slinging everywhere and dripping onto my alternator, but it didnt leave any puddles when parked. i replaced the front crank seal, cam seal, valve cover gasket, and the oil pan gasket. i still need to replace the fuel pump gaskets and the rear main seal. i didnt have enough time to do it all but the leaking has def gone down a lot.

[jbuck1975]

my festy had the exact same problem. i was losing so much oil because every seal in the engine was leaking. since my timing covers are off, oil was slinging everywhere and dripping onto my alternator, but it didnt leave any puddles when parked. i replaced the front crank seal, cam seal, valve cover gasket, and the oil pan gasket. i still need to replace the fuel pump gaskets and the rear main seal. i didnt have enough time to do it all but the leaking has def gone down a lot.

Thanks for the encouragment . Sounds like you drive my car.

89 Festiva. carby. needs repairs!!

[jbuck1975]

Which brand gaskets and seals should I look at buying . Autozone or oriellys are close to me. Napa is in the area I work. Crank, oil pan. I've already changed valve and cam

89 Festiva. carby. needs repairs!!

[Movin]

Which ones have people that know cars? Which loan tools you might need?
Fel Pro gasket brand is like walmart, available everywhere and good enough
to get the job done.

[jbuck1975]

Which tools will I be using for the crankshaft seal project.

89 Festiva. carby. needs repairs!!

[jbuck1975]

OK. So I've order the camshaft seal. I hope like heck it's the same part as the crankshaft seal. I'll be trying to change out the crankshaft seal tomorrow.

89 Festiva. carby. needs repairs!!

[WmWatt]

I'd look at the engine to see where the oil is leaking before replacing any gaskets or seals.

I was going to suggest the crankcase drain plug but missed the whole of page 2 where you say there are no drips under the car. I would guess the oil is being pushed out by pressure when the engine is running and is blown away in the wind.

[jbuck1975]

It's mostly on the timing belt side of engine. Runs down off the oil pan area.

89 Festiva. carby. needs repairs!!

[jbuck1975]

I'm having problems getting the crankshaft pulley bolt loose. The crankshaft is trying to turn on me.
I believe once I do get the seal out that I won't have room under there to get new seal in place. I'm starting to think I better leave this project alone!!
Any help will be welcomed.

89 Festiva. carby. needs repairs!!

[jbuck1975]

Another thing that comes to mind... how will you get it back on tight enough?

89 Festiva. carby. needs repairs!!

[georgeb]

With 5 qts every 1000 miles I don't think leaving it alone is an option! Lower pass side of motor by loosening the 3 17mm motor mount nuts. I remove the crank bolt with an impact but sometimes you can block the wheels and put the trans in high gear and it will hold. Punch tiny hole in seal AWAY FROM CRANK and install small screw to pry seal out. Don't bang seal in too far, only even with raised portion of bore. Be doubly careful not to score crank surface, my '93 is under a tarp for that reason.

[jbuck1975]

Is the crank bolt the big one or the 4 little ones on the pulley?


89 Festiva. carby. needs repairs!!

[georgeb]

The big one. If you're only doing a timing belt job you can just remove the pulley (small bolts).