leaking oil seals

[wayne]

I have a '97 Legacy wagon that has leaking oil seals. I replaced the
crank seal myself but now I suspect the fly wheel seal is bad. Does
anyone know how much it would cost to have that seal replaced? They'll
probably have to remove the engine or trans to get at the seal.

thanks,
Wayne

 

[johninKY]

Correct about either the engine or transmission will have to be pulled.
Cost is going to be pretty high for this much work. I'd invest in new
valve cover gaskets and PCV valve before going down that road.

 

[Sherlock]

I have a '96 Legacy wagon that has a front seal leaking, how hard is it
to replace?

 

[pheasant]

I have a '97 Legacy wagon that has leaking oil seals. I replaced the
crank seal myself but now I suspect the fly wheel seal is bad. Does
anyone know how much it would cost to have that seal replaced? They'll
probably have to remove the engine or trans to get at the seal.

thanks,
Wayne

Had my 86 completely torn down and resealed for 600 bucks last year

 

[Tim H]

Had my 86 completely torn down and resealed for 600 bucks last year

That seems like a good price. Was this at a dealer? If no, where?

 

[Tim H]

I have a '97 Legacy wagon that has leaking oil seals. I replaced the
crank seal myself but now I suspect the fly wheel seal is bad. Does
anyone know how much it would cost to have that seal replaced? They'll
probably have to remove the engine or trans to get at the seal.

These cars are notorious for leaky oil pump o-rings. I change my T-Belt (and
front cover seals) then a bit of research after (because the link didn't go
away) yielded the following:

http://www.epinions.com/content_110037929604

And it worked out.... Of course, a second tear down was required. I wish the
guy at the Subaru parts counter has suggested I purchase the O-Ring when I
asked - "While I'm in there are there any other things I should consider
servicing or looking for?" - His reply - no, this should do it.

 

[wayne]

Correct about either the engine or transmission will have to be pulled.
Cost is going to be pretty high for this much work. I'd invest in new
valve cover gaskets and PCV valve before going down that road.

What does the PCV valve have to do with it and do the valve cover gaskets
need sealants (permatex)?

Wayne

 

[pheasant]

That seems like a good price. Was this at a dealer? If no, where?

Not a dealer. Private shop in Bismarck, ND

 

[Jim L]

I have a 97 Impresa with the same issue at 140K miles. I've been driving it
for 4 years with the same issue.....smokes everynow and then when it drips
on the exhaust and I have to add oil about every 1K miles. There is no
damage going on if you keep oil in it. It even burns off before any leakage
on the driveway. Replacing it requires pulling the engine and about $550 at
the dealer. Weigh the alternatives...

Jim

 

[Jim L]

I was talking about the flywheel seal and oil strainer. The 2.2's were
infamous for that going on them.

 

[Rick Courtright]

What does the PCV valve have to do with it and do the valve cover > gaskets need sealants (permatex)?

Hi,

A clogged or partially blocked PCV system (check the hoses as well as
the valve) allows a buildup of pressure within the crankcase. Too much
and you might see some seal leakage.

Valve cover gaskets: if they're the big O-ring style, you may want to
put a little sealer in the valve cover groove to help hold them in place
while you reinstall everything, but shouldn't need to seal the head
side. Just make sure it's squeaky clean (may need to clean w/ solvent)
and dry before reinstalling the valve covers.

Personal experience: rear seals seldom leak these days compared to the
incidence of front seals--crank, cam and oil pump seals should all be
renewed at the same time. Since they're relatively cheap, it's not a
false economy to do them each time the timing belts are replaced. If in
doubt where the leak's coming from, give the engine a good cleaning and
start looking closely. With luck, you won't have to do the rear seal, as
it's pretty involved as already discussed.

Rick