Forum:
Hi. My N reg Forester 2.8 TDX with 160K on the clock is leaking black oil at the back of the engine, where it joins th bell housing. I suspect the rear engine oil seal has gone. Is this a big job, expensive? Do other owners have any ideas on approx cost? Is it worth doing? The vehicle is a second car, only used for occasional farm work but in good order and has an MOT till July.
Not a big job, but long
Not a big job, but long winded.
Strip everything from the front of the engine, radiator, intercooler, etc.
Pack the gearbox and transfer case in position and unbolt the engine, raise it slightly on a lift or with a block and tackle and move it forwards in the engine compartment and tilt the back down.
From under the vehicle:
Remove the clutch and note which way it fits, undo the flywheel and remove, pull out the crankshaft oil seal and replace.
Before going to that trouble I would suggest a full degrease of the engine and clean it fully, dry out the engine and sprinkle talcum powder all around the back of the engine, run the engine for a few minutes and get a light round the back with a mirror and check its not coming from the back of the rocker cover gasket or head gasket.