Help: Front main seal leaking

[DIESELMX207]

I am a new member to the site and look forward to spending more time on here. Could someone please shed some light on my problem...

I have an '03 Duramax that very slowly started leaking oil under the front end. I got under it several times and couldnt determine exactly where it was coming from until one day I parked it and when I returned there was nearly HALF A QUART of oil under it. I immediately got under it and saw it seeping from behind the front drive pulley and realized it was the front main seal.

Im very mechanically inclined (mechanical engineer) and was a Harley/offroad mechanic for some years. HOWEVER, I don't have a truck lift (or time) so I took it to a local trusted (friend) MR. fix everything (engines, trannys, tractors...etc..) and he replaced the seal for me.

A week later, I casually peered up under the front end and noticed a lot of the components had oil on them but didnt see anything dripping. A couple days later, I came out after the truck was parked and oil is leaking again but not nearly as bad as before. I assume its the seal again.

Does this mean the front main bearing is bad? To ruin a new seal? I realize he could have damaged the seal on first install...

How difficult are the main bearings to replace?

I also recently noticed the truck has a slight "shake" when it is at an idle and it never used to.... Related issue??? Im not sure...

Any help would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to helping others with issues I've overcome.....

THANKS!!!

 

[stroke250]

there is a special tool to install the front seal. if he didn't use it, there is a good chance that is why it is leaking. also, better make sure he properly torqued the balancer upon installation.

 

[DIESELMX207]

Stroke250

Thanks so much for the quick reply...

Do you know what the tool does that is 'special'?

Does it compress a lip for insertion?

I've read in a few places that you need a special tool, but I would like to be able to tell him why he needs this if I have him replace it again...

THANKS!!!

 

[Leadfoot]

Stroke250

Thanks so much for the quick reply...

Do you know what the tool does that is 'special'?

Does it compress a lip for insertion?

I've read in a few places that you need a special tool, but I would like to be able to tell him why he needs this if I have him replace it again...

THANKS!!!

I can't answer you on the tool as I have not personally used one, but I have had issues with front seals leaking before on various motors. I have not heard about it much on DMax's but a scratch or worn groove on the balancer can cause a leak even with a new seal. Also the vibration worries me. If it wasn't there before, chances are something happened with the balancer (maybe due to improper removal/installation techniques or tools). There have been a few posts of cracked cranks (although few and far between), but having a balancer that's not doing it's job can spell trouble.

Hope you get it figured out.

 

[DIESELMX207]

Your input is sincerely appreciated!

I believe the truck shaking at idle started just before he replaced the seal, but its difficult for me to remember because it all happened so fast.

I was thinking maybe the bearing needs replaced. I think you can measure the wear by dropping the pan but can it be replaced without yanking the engine?

 

[Turbo Buick 6]

Need to make sure that the surface the seal rides on it up to par. On my old 6.0PSD I had to drive a sleave on the crank and use a larger seal.