Oil leak..Cam seals changed...What next?

[mainiac87]

My 97 leg wagon is leaking oil. Seems to be only when motor is under pressure. Before i changed the cam seals I had a puddle, now its just a few drops. During and after driving, I can smell smoke and see smoke once stopped. I would really appreciate any help i can get. Cant really see exactly where the leak is coming from now but its hitting the exauhst.
Thanks

[harrymaneuvers]

My bet is on the rear oil separator plate if it is hitting the exhaust towards the back of the motor... maybe dripping close to the O2 sensor or y pipe.


Easiest way to do this is to jack your car up and wipe up every single spot that looks wet. Use a whole roll of paper towels if you have too. Then go to the auto parts store and get some UV dye. Put it in your oil and drive around for a day. Then park the car, lift and inspect with a UV light... that should show you exactly where it is coming from so you arent guessing.

[02_Legacy]

Cleaning it off is a good way to go, however, I suggest using a strong degreaser (not simple green lol) from an automotive store. Spray it on let it sit then just take a hose to it. You can get it much cleaner this way.

Also are you sure it is not just left over oil that is dripping down the block or that is still sitting on the exhaust? How long ago did you replace the seals?

[mainiac87]

I changed the cam seals about 3 weeks ago and it definatly helped. It's not leftovers. Is there any way it could be the crankshaft seal?? When i took the tb cover off to do cam seals the belt was not wet at all. It seems as though the leak is coming more from the front and blowing back while driving.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Could be the valve cover seals, the O-ring by the oil pump, the rear main seal, the oil pan seal. Cleaning it all off (as was suggested) and then taking a look underneath the see where it's coming from will lend you the strongest clue.

You could also try an oil dye to trace the leak.

[mainiac87]

I cleaned it off todayand put it up on the lift and ran it while up. it seems to be coming frm the tb cover i talked with a subaru guru and was told mostlikely a crank seal. valve covers arent leaking. would it be a gard job to pull the oil pump and cahnge the o ring while inside?? Thanks for all the help

[Navi271]

Not hard if you already have the timing belt off. There's something like 7 bolts and the oil pump will wiggle off and the O ring is right there. Replace, reseal, done!

[mainiac87]

should i replace the pump?? what is the probability it will go bad? is it common on the 2.2's

[Wiscon_Mark]

If you don't know when the water pump/timing belt stuff was done last, it's always a good idea to do them if you're in there.