lower crankshaft seal leak

[JJB]

I just found a leak in my lower crankshaft seal on my 2000 175 Johnson, Black/green oil runs down the side of my engine after sitting . I can see it around the drive shaft and seal area . the engine runs good with good compression but I dont want to damage it by running it like this . Is this something I can get away with for a period of time before I need to fix it ? Also would I need the special rod cap alignment tool 396749 to do this job ?
Thanks JJB

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: lower crankshaft seal leak

I'm trying to think where that oil could be coming from, but running down the side of the engine, I really can't see the lower crank seal doing that. Are you sure it's not unburned fuel coming from the carb's, such as when the engine it at extreme tilt, and coming from inside the engine pan.But if it were a seal, no you would'nt need the rod tool. That lower seal, and bearing is held in a seperate casting. It has two heavy o-rings around it where it seats into the engine block. It is held in place by 8, or 10 screw's. You would remove the screw's, and remove what is call the bearing, seal assembly.

 

[iwombat]

Re: lower crankshaft seal leak

You wouldn't need the rod tool even if you were taking the rods off the crank. You can get by with other methods than the tool.

 

[JJB]

Re: lower crankshaft seal leak

I dont think its from the carbs because of the color of the oil and where if running down the side leg and I can see it drip from around the drive shaft . Would I be doing damage to the engine if I dont repair it and wait ?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: lower crankshaft seal leak

I'm having trouble trying to visualize this, where are you looking at on the drive shaft?

 

[JJB]

Re: lower crankshaft seal leak

right where it comes out of the bottom of the engine !

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: lower crankshaft seal leak

I'm still lost. Have you got the gearcase off?, or just where are you able to see the drive shaft? One thing I keeping thinking about , that seal is double lipped with a spring tensioner between the lips', and of good quality. It's not really prone to leakage, but that's not to say it can't happen. Lets' see if we can't pin this down a little closer before taking anything apart. Would it be possible to post a picture?

 

[JJB]

Re: lower crankshaft seal leak

Thanks for the input , I dont have the motor off now but a ob shop did that and found that the sleeve part #19 had sliped out of the seal . They reinstalled the sleeve and the leak stop for about 2 weeks but now its back . From what I can see with a mirror and light it looks like its coming from around the sleeve where it meets the shaft seal . They said it was odd for that sleeve to slide out so I was thinking the seal is shot . But would running the motor with a leaking lower seal damage it if that what it is ???