Can the crankshaft oil seal be left unreplaced if the oil leakage is not severe?
2 Answers
Crankshaft oil seal can be left unreplaced if the oil leakage is not severe. Below are the measures to address severe oil leakage and the installation of the oil seal: Measures for severe oil leakage: Inject some engine oil into the crankshaft case, then drive the car to the nearest repair station as soon as possible for inspection. Of course, it is best to call a tow truck to send it for inspection. Installation of the oil seal: First, use three M14-1.5-90mm hex bolts to fix the guide shaft to the front section of the engine crankshaft, and tighten them with a hex wrench. Then, install the rear crankshaft oil seal onto the guide shaft, which serves as a guide. Next, install the pressure plate onto the guide shaft, and use an adjustable wrench to turn the nut, pressing the oil seal into place with the pressure plate. Finally, remove the special repair tools, and the installation of the rear crankshaft oil seal is complete.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have seen quite a few cases of crankshaft oil seal leaks. To be honest, if it's leaking like a dripping faucet, then it definitely needs to be replaced immediately. But if it's just a bit oily and wet underneath, not much, I'd keep an eye on it for a while. Pay attention to whether there are new oil stains on the ground after parking, and check the oil dipstick frequently to make sure the oil level isn't dropping. However, don't be too complacent—oil leakage means the seal is failing. A small issue can turn into a big problem if left unattended, especially if the oil suddenly runs out while driving, which can seriously damage the engine. So my advice is, if it's just a minor leak, take your time to get it checked, but once you notice it, put it on the repair schedule and don't delay indefinitely.