How often should the crankshaft oil seal be replaced?
2 Answers
Automotive crankshaft oil seals are typically replaced every 3 years. Hazards of crankshaft oil seal leakage: The main hazard is oil loss, resulting in waste. Severe cases may lead to insufficient oil levels and subsequent engine damage, as leakage causes inadequate oil pressure. Therefore, it's crucial to closely monitor the oil level. Since most vehicles have oil level indicators, this prevents unnoticed low oil levels. Additionally, an alert light will activate if oil pressure becomes insufficient. Causes of crankshaft oil seal leakage: Oil pan drain plug gasket damage, missing installation, or loose fitting causing leaks; improper installation, damage, or loose screws on timing gear cover gasket leading to leakage.
I've been driving for over a decade, and there's really no fixed replacement interval for the crankshaft oil seal. It's usually only replaced when there's oil leakage or during a major overhaul. My old car ran nearly 200,000 kilometers without issues, but later it had slow acceleration and increased oil consumption. Upon inspection, we found the seal had aged and was seeping oil. The repair was quite troublesome, requiring disassembly of engine components, which was time-consuming and costly. I recommend checking for oil stains under the chassis when adding oil; if there are signs of dripping oil, send it for repair immediately. If not addressed promptly, oil leakage can damage the crankshaft bearings or even cause cylinder scoring, and replacing the engine is even more expensive. Modern cars have better sealing technology and can typically last over 100,000 kilometers, but for older cars or those frequently driven on rough roads, early inspection is the best strategy.
