300TDi Oil Leak Question

[Ian_Fearn]

I've identified a new oil leak is coming from the bell housing drain hole.

I changed the crank seal for the upgraded version about 4 or 5 years ago so whilst I wouldn't be surprised if it had failed, i'd be annoyed considering its probably done less than 20k.

My question is: If the leak is due to failed T seals, would oil leak from the bell housing drain or somewhere else? (or maybe both?)

 

Cheers, Ian

[Snagger]

Yes, it would be from the bell housing.  But it could also be gear box oil from the input pinion.  Are you certain it's engine oil?

[Ian_Fearn]

Thanks for the reply. The box has MTF94 in it which is red-ish in colour so yes, definitely engine oil. 

Looks like engine out/box off again soon then.....

Edited December 6, 2018 by Ian_Fearn

[Mo Murphy]

Ah, the joys of a 300 tdi rear crank seal change !

Only use a genuine seal in my experience. 

Mo

[Maverik]

4-5 yrs is not bad I'd say, the seal landing face on the crank wears over time so will never last as long at it was when brand spanking. - although 20k is pretty low.

[Snagger]

On 12/6/2018 at 9:09 PM, Ian_Fearn said:

Thanks for the reply. The box has MTF94 in it which is red-ish in colour so yes, definitely engine oil. 

Looks like engine out/box off again soon then.....

I don't think MTF94 is red - mine isn't.  ATF is, though.  But once it picks up the dirt and dust in the bell housing, colour may be deceptive.  Small may be a better indicator, but checking the levels would be most reliable.

[Ian_Fearn]

On 12/11/2018 at 2:40 PM, Snagger said:

I don't think MTF94 is red - mine isn't.  ATF is, though.  But once it picks up the dirt and dust in the bell housing, colour may be deceptive.  Small may be a better indicator, but checking the levels would be most reliable.

Interesting you say that..... I've just checked the remaining MTF94 I have in the garage in a genuine MG Rover bottle and its definitely cherry red in colour.

I figured it was because i've got cherry red fluid dripping between the transfer box and gearbox..... 

Either way, I've probably got another engine out job next summer to sort it all out.

[neil110]

From sepia tinted memory the T seals tend to dribble between the sump and the front of the flywheel housing and typically the engine oil in a Tdi is black, unless it's just been changed.

On the plus side it is possible to change them without removing the engine.

[Ian_Fearn]

Is this actually true? I've previously read its an engine out job? 

I'm going to have to take the transfer box off soon as I made the mistake of fitting a 1.2 ratio box. Better at 60+mph but really saps lower speed 'sprightly-ness'.

So the concept of going in via removing the gearbox is probably more sensible.

[Bowie69]

Tweak the fuel pump a bit and you won't notice the 1.2 box.