Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Yep, Another OIL LEAK ?

[CYauch]

After giving this a little more thought, I think you just have the misfortune of having a front seal that started leaking. Its rare, but it happens

Back again. Everything was fine; hadn't noticed any leaks/wetspots... ... ... ... UNTIL this past weekend. I went to the local car wash, sprayed it clean (thinking that maybe, just maybe the dealer left the mess after they replaced the front seal 3 weeks ago). I made a few runs to Jackson, MS and noticed that once again, oil is leaking. At least I think its oil. When looking at it, it has a greenish hue to it (which could be the dye they used to find the leak the first time). But when swabbed with a Q-tip, its blackish in color. I was thinking that maybe it is a cooling problem cause of the color. Using the pics at the following location:



http://myweb.cableone.net/cyauch/pics.htm



Pic # 9 is where the oil is forming at, but nothing else above that appears to be 'wet'. Also, in #8, oil is forming at the seal, and seems to be seeping (or collecting there) along both sides of where the pan meets the block, all the way back to the crossmember. In addition, there are wet spots on the front of the crossmember (facing forward), as well as drip marks on the front stab bar. It is going back to the local dealer on Monday, but I am looking for some insight as to what exactly may be going on. The truck as only 57,800 miles on it, and it seems to be getting worse with each passing week. Should I be calling Cummins directly, or keep going the hassle of going to the local Dodge dealer. Help please. Thanks.

 

[B9Mile]

I would say your front seal is still leaking.



These seals fit extremely tightly into the front cover. Actually, I would say it has a slight interference fit.



The best way to install the seal is with the cover removed and with the use of a press.



With the front cover still installed, the only way to seat the seal into the front cover is by tapping it with a hammer. Even though a metal seal driver is included with the seal kit, it would take a while to get all of the periphery of the seal's metal housing started into the hole. This could damage the metal retaining portion of the seal assembly.



Another possibility is that the mechanic didn't completely clean and ensure the area of the crankshaft where the seal's lip rides was clean and free of oil. These seals are teflon coated and need to be installed dry.



You also need to use some Loctite sealant where the outside of the metal seal housing mates with the front cover. Maybe this was left out, since the mechanic thought the seal fit tight enough to completely seal the outer edge.



My bet is on a damaged lip of the seal. It might also be instaled backwards. I doubt that though.



You can try a Cummins place. But for warranty work, they will need an authorization from DC. The regional rep will probably have to do that though.



Generally, a flourescent lamp is needed to detect the dye that is added to oil.



The power steering pump's seal failed right away on my truck. The dealer replaced both it and the vacuum pump. I still had an oil leak. They added a dye to the engine oil and used a flourescent lamp to determine the NEW vacuum pump's seal was leaking.



My truck had about $4,500 worth of warranty work on it by the time it had 32k miles on it. Once we got the bugs worked out, it has been flawless.



Hang in there. Things will get straightened out.

 

[6paccuda]

Does anyone have the part # for the power steering seal. I have a pretty good oil leak coming from there. Is it an easy fix? Thanks Derek