Need Help with oil leak. (front main seal)

[KevinSonOfDad]

Hello folks! Its been a while since I've posted here (no problems with the truck since the clutch knock on wood). However I recently built a new motor for it last august (high compression, valves, springs the whole deal) however ever since I installed it I've had a small leak coming from what looks like the front.

I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I didn't align the front seal on the harmonic balancer. What would the procedure be if it is indeed misaligned? is there any way to get around pulling the water pump and timing cover?

the leak is pretty small but it bugs me since basically my entire truck is rebuilt at this point and it still leaks oil. any tips or advice is much appreciated

 

[RonD]

I think you just need to remove harmonic balancer and can then pull out the main seal from timing chain cover
Not sure what you mean by aligning the cover and crank, if it wasn't aligned it would be a big leak

Could the harmonic balancer have some scratches causing the seal to leak, or worn "rubber" causing a vibration

In any case with harmonic balancer off you can check it's back side to see if that's where its leaking or if its the front of oil pan

 

[KevinSonOfDad]

I think you just need to remove harmonic balancer and can then pull out the main seal from timing chain cover
Not sure what you mean by aligning the cover and crank, if it wasn't aligned it would be a big leak

Could the harmonic balancer have some scratches causing the seal to leak, or worn "rubber" causing a vibration

In any case with harmonic balancer off you can check it's back side to see if that's where its leaking or if its the front of oil pan

i was meaning if when i put the timing cover on i didnt center it properly. (I dont remember if it has dowels). i also polished the harmonic balancer before installing it so that shouldnt be the issue. ill see if i can get the balancer pulled off in the next week or so and take a look. it could just be a crappy front seal.

leak is pretty much a quarter sized per day if i drive it.

 

[RonD]

Could be front of oil pan, only has oil there when you drive it

 

[KevinSonOfDad]

Could be front of oil pan, only has oil there when you drive it

im hoping not as removing that would likely damage the gasket i have there and leave the rubber tabs stuck next to the rear main cap

 

[KevinSonOfDad]

Could be front of oil pan, only has oil there when you drive it

i did try cleaning that area with laquer thinner and putting rtv on it but it didnt seem to help