Hi all, from reading other threads I think my front counter shaft seal is going bad so I want to check it. From what I've read on a timing belt change, I need to remove the ps and alternator, which I'm not sure is necessary to just take off the upper t belt cover to look at where the oil is leaking from. Is there a quick and easy way to just take off the upper cover for diagnosis of this leak? Obviously if I need to change the seal then I follow the appropriate steps.

Thanks!

 

You'll need to loosen the valve cover because it captures the upper edge of the upper timing cover. Don't have to REMOVE the valve cover, just lift it a few mm.

Then there's only a couple screws for the plastic upper timing cover.

Now you might not be able to see the leak because the balance shafts are down lower, well into the lower timing cover. In the picture, you can see a couple round things molded into the lower cover. That's where the balance shafts are located.

Maybe it's the camshaft seal that's leaking?? Then it would be easily visible.

 

I'm not entirely sure what is leaking, but I'll check into it. Is the lower cover difficult to remove if necessary? Thanks!

 

To remove the lower timing cover, you first have to remove the crankshaft pulley. THAT is the biggest PITA of the whole timing-belt job.

 

I couldn't see any oil inside the timing cover at all, either on the engine block or at the bottom of the timing cover looking down, and the belt was perfectly clean. However, I still have oil leaking out the bottom of the cover looking up and it's not from the oil pan. Any ideas??

 

It could still be a leaking front balance shaft seal. When they leak they don't spatter oil around, rather the oil just drains down to the lowest point of the oil pump casting below the crankshaft. At speed the oil tends to get pushed to the back upper edge of the oil pan.

Front balance shaft seal, rear balance shaft gearbox O-ring, crankshaft seal are all possibilities. The lower cover will have to come off to diagnose & repair.