This is my photo documentation of changing my front main seal / oil seal / front seal / front oil seal.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3116836...7616967783349/

I intend for this to my contribution to the internet world. If any of you would be willing to go through it and make comments on the photos or to me so that i could improve on its portrayal I'd greatly appreciate it!

This repair is very straight forward and do-able. Anyone with a ratchet set and basic knowledge of an engine and 20 bucks should be able to do this no problem!

I went at it with no experience on this area of the engine and only experience in general maintenance (oil changes, tire changes, spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, etc). If your leaking oil and don't know why, give this quick fix a shot. It took me about 3 hours.

I hope this makes up for any of my newb mistakes past and future.

 

So it looks like the seal came off with the harmonic balancer, probably why it was leaking so bad. But it looks like you reinstalled it by sliding it on the balancer and then putting the balancer on. Is that right? If so, how's that worked out for you so far?

Also what did you torque the crank bolt to?

 

Yeah the seal came off with the harmonic balancer(?). Wasnt sure that was what that was but when i took the pulley thing off the seal was on it. Looked like that was where it was supposed to go.

So far it hasnt leaked oil. However, now more than ever, it has been idling really rough and stalling frequently. I dont know if that is related to that seal or the fuel leak i have that i mentioned in another thread. I have driven for more than three hours so far and besides the idling, the rough starting, and the radiator pin hole leaking, i havent had any problems and there has been no oil loss.

As far as the torque, I had my friend hand tighten it. Maybe he over did it, but i dont know for sure.

Thanks for the comment dale.