I've had the dealership replace the front cover crank seal twice in the last year. The last time was about two weeks ago - and it's leaking again, started as a seep, then a drip, and now worse. I had the tech walk me through the process both times, and both techs seemed to know what they were doing - even quoted the torque values for the cover and damper. I also know they used the cover/crank alignment tool to keep things centered. No gouges or scores on the crank snout, so repair sleeve wasn't used.

Questions:
1 - Are there any engine issues I need to explore that would make the crank seal fail? The engine runs smooth and quiet, no knocks or vibrations at any speed.
2 - Is this a known recurring problem for any specific type of seal, engine, or even front cover? TSBs? Anyone know of any seal that would be better to use than Mopar?

This isn't a huge leak, have never had to top off oil because of it. But after awhile, enough oil slings back to make a mess underneath and spot the tailgate - PITA factor is up.

Thanks for any assist!

 

Bumponelasttry

 

Are you absolutley sure it is the seal leaking, and not the front coever itself?

 

you sure it isnt the CP3 pump leaking diesel??? not insulting youre ability to tell the difference between diesel & oil but....

 

Oh yeah, it's the seal. Took the dampener/balancer off, cleaned everything up, reassembled, and watched the seepage from under the crank snout.
Dealer tech (actually a pretty good mechanic, or has been for me) said that these seals are hard to place without leaking because they are stiff-lipped and very tight against the crank. However, he couldn't tell me how Cummins manages it.
Got a call in to the local Cummins shop, maybe they have a trick they didn't share with DC.....
Kind'a like a snotty little Easter egg.

 

Just my $.02. I thought I had a crank seal leak on my last truck. Degreased and brake cleaned to assure all is dry to find leak. Turns out leak was from higher up. The plastic plug that spins into the timing cover was factory installed without it's o-ring. The plug covers the access hole to remove the injection pump.


Chris

 

If it uses one of those hard teflon seals it needs to be slid over a seal installer to prevent damage to sealing surface. The sealing surface and the surface it runs on should be clean and dry. No oil, do not touch the sealing lips on the seal. When I was working at a Porsche, Audi dealer this is what we did and it worked.
Ted

 

my front seal leaks also, i was wondering if anyone else had the same problem

 

Mine doesn't leak but more like it sweats oil, every couple days I have to wipe the oil and grime off the front of the block, right above the front of the oil pan and below the harmonic balancer. I think cold weather has an effect on seals too because in the summer its clean and dry.