Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'90 Pontiac Grand Am, Front Crankshaft Seal Leak

Q: I have a '90 Pontiac Grand Am. It's pouring out oil at about 1 quart every 2 mile's. Only when running. Look's like it's the front crankshaft seal. Is it hard to replace?

- Doug

A: You didn't say which engine; there are 3 possibilities, for your vehicle. The more common of the engines is called a Quad 4 and if it is I would not suggest replacing the front seal yourself unless you are patient and skilled in automotive repair. I would also suggest a close inspection of the source of the oil leak. There is an oil passage on this engine that travels from the engine block to the timing cover. This passage provides engine oil pressure to the timing chain tensioner. If the bolts that hold the timing cover are loose, oil will spill from the engine at a real good rate when the engine is running.