I had one of my mechanics at the shop check out my oil leak, and he said it looks like its coming from the front timing cover or something? Anyone have any advice before I nosedive into this project tonite?

 

The usual suspect is the water pump seal. It's a typical leak on these cars. A bit of a PIA to replace too. You have to be very careful about letting the seal "roll" out as you slide it on the WP's drive shaft. My trick (everyone has one they like) is to use the cap of a big Sharpie pen. Cut off the "pocket clip" making a clean cut with no sharp edge and spread a little motor oil on it and it becomes a perfect size to use to slip new seal on and onto the shaft. If you haven't done the seal replacement you see what i mean when you go to do it. Some guys use a socket as well.

The opti seal is next likely culprit and is very straight forward to replace. You will want to find something to use to drive the seal into the seat. I found a piece of PVC at the local home store which is the exact size of the seal and used it. Make sure you apply even pressure or one edge of the seal will seat and not the other side and too much jockeying it around and you may destroy the seal.

You should be able to tell which seal it is once you get the WP and opti off the front. I would not replace the WP seal unless it is leaking because, unfortunately, there's a good chance of the replacement seal leaking. I've heard of guys trying multiple times before they could get it right.

I always get two (2) of each seal before I start just in case. And don't forget to get new WP gaskets.

The timing chain cover itself can sometimes leak also but that's an even bigger job as you need to lower the oil pan to get it R&R'd.

Good luck.

 

The leak could be coming from a few possible areas.

1) Waterpump drive (usually leaks)

2) Opti seal (i doubt it though)

3) Crank seal (maybe)

4) Front of oil pan (try tightning up the front bolts a little)

All these seals are in the timing cover. Take precaution installing the waterpump drive seal if that's the case. It's a little tricky.

Tony

 

Please don't jump into the timing cover until you are satisfied it's not something else.

Have you ever had your intake manifold gaskets replaced?

If there is oil high on your front engine... then this is the culprit.

Place the colored dye in your oil and run it for a day,,, then use the special blacklight thingie to find the source.

I would bet it's that intake gasket in front of the engine.

My 95 had 110,000 miles and the REAR did NOT leak, but the front did. So consider this location first.