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oil leak
Topic Started: Aug 15 2012, 11:09 AM (636 Views)
bingbill
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I'm leaking oil somewhere near the pulleys. front passenger side of the motor. I'm not a mechanic so I'll have to take it to someone to check it out. I don't want to get ripped off, so if I kind of know what I'm looking at I'll be in better shape. any ideas?
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snowfish
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Basic GearHead

More than likely it's the Cam and/or Crank Seal. :news Might as well do both while the timing belt is off. :gamerz Same seal for both.

Procedures can be found here.

http://geometroforum.com/topic/3083546/1/

http://geometroforum.com/topic/4729653/1/

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bingbill
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if I have this done, what should it cost me?
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snowfish
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Basic GearHead

Anytime, that you step into a repair shop, you're in for $100 minimum. This job, I bet they'd charge $200-$300. :O

Be advised that you will want a new timing belt, & tensioner, since the old one is oil soaked. That will push it to $300 and beyond. :die

That may sound high, but when you call around, you'll probably find it's a reality. :shake

Hopefully there's a member, near by, that could lend a hand. :news And be prepared to be treated like a second, or third, rate citizen when you mention Geo Metro. :'(

Ask your friends where they've had work done. If they've had a good experience, then inquire there.

Be careful. B-) I've seen a lot of hacks that have an ASE certified patch. :gamerz
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Shinrin
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Unless the mechanic has owned a geo, I would not take it to one. Every mechanic I've seen or heard of, that didn't know and like these cars already, does a terrible job.

Most will say it's your oil pan gasket, and replace that. If your car still runs, and it still leaks, they'll say valve cover gasket, and replace that. Next is the head gasket, following by rear main seal. When they have the engine out, they may see and replace the cam and crank seals. So you'll be sitting in the $500 range for replacing a $3 seal.


If you have a full day to work on it, $50 to buy tools and parts, and the space to park the car, I really really suggest doing it yourself.

I seriously have never heard of a mechanic, that's not on this forum, doing a good job with these cars. Most just throw parts at it until you run out of money and leave them alone.
Edited by Shinrin, Aug 15 2012, 02:38 PM.
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cwatkin


Yes, by all means do it yourself. It is quite easy. I did it with nothing more complicated than a metric socket set, a jack, a board to put on the jack, impact wrench, torque wrench, and a VERY SMALL amount of RTV sealant and it doesn't take long. Be very careful not to get RTV sealant in the seal vents (on engine) so just use a small amount. You can get a torque wrench as a loan a tool for free from most parts stores. It may not be top of the line but will work for this purpose.

I found the timing belt/tensioner kits for about $30 on Amazon and the engine seals are dirt cheap!

Also check and change your PCV valve if needed. This could be the cause of your issue. I had a new to me engine that had a bad PCV and the pressure caused every seal and gasket to leak oil.

Conor
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

:gp S

I was going to mention the PCV valve. If you unscrew the wing nut on the top of the air cleaner and un snap the 4 clips you can lift the top of the air cleaner and filter and if you see oil in the air cleaner the PCV valve is clogged. Actually for the cam seal to blow out the rubber "Y" tube (valve cover-PCV-air cleaner) is probably clogged.

Doesn't mean it could not have just gone bad but it gives an indication of where to look.

Try wiping to oil off and then check the engine every day or two. It is possible it is the o-ring on the dip stick fill tube. That requires just a 10mm socket and wrench.
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Old Man


If you can get it to Farmington New Mexico (nearest registered Geo mechanic) then you will get good service.

Go to post #19 and read his posting on this website:
http://geometroforum.com/topic/1644179/2/

get all your parts together, take a weekend give the car to him saturday noon, pick it up sunday noon and go home.
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me2


As usual , lots of good advice.
I did the crank and cam seal myself when my belt gave out from being oil soaked. With just a few simple tools it is pretty easy if you have the time and the inclination.
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cwatkin


Yeah, the PCV hose on my engine was FILLED with crap when I got it. I guess this would explain why anything and everything that could leak was leaking.

Conor
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