Crankshaft Oil Seal...Again?

[Furgonzo]

Hi...I've got an '89 1.7 KY diesel vanagon that appears to have blown it's second crankshaft oil seal in as many months. The engine was recently put in - a used jobbie and the seal was supposedly replaced when it was installed. It blew within a thousand K's or so and was, supposedly, replaced again. There is oil dripping from the black plastic housing below the crankshaft pulley and it is pretty well sprayed about in the general vicinity. My question is, is this a sign of a bigger problem (worn crankshaft?) or maybe just crappy seals or poor installation? Neither of the seals had more than 1000 k's before failing. I'm having new rings installed here shortly (engine in) so will have it replaced again, but wanted some input. Thanks!

[mrdp]

HI I'm not sure about the crankshaft seal .However I had the jackshaft seal near the timing belt replaced as it was found tobe leaking slightly when changing the cam belt. The NEW seal lost about 1/2litre of oil in 30 miles .It was taken apart again and all looked ok, but another new seal was put into place and also looked ok only this time actually seals. I think there are some seals out there that maybe just aren't as good as they should be. I would try another seal supplier / brand before getting too worried about mega problems.

[Aidan]

could be the flywheel is scored on the seal face, if it is then new seal will get damaged and leak, if it is damaged then it may be possible to speedi sleeve it
I'd check the end float is within tolerance too

[Furgonzo]

Thanks for the replies. What is the jackshaft? The leak I am referring to is coming from behind the crankshaft pulley/timing sprocket (I think). I can't see exactly where the oil is coming from as it is behind the black plastic cover. Other potential culprits?

[camper]

Jackshaft is an incorrect discription .Front crank shaft oil seal &rear crankshaft flywheel oil seal.Intermediate shaft oil seal & camshaft oil seal would discribe where the lipped oil seals are fitted.

[footstuck]

You could fit the later seal which is ofcourse mor expensive
I've just done exactly that on my 1.9 tdi which I hade originally fitted with the early (Loose) seal type.
Before final assembly I greased up the seal journal and offered up the later type seal and when removed it left a grease mark in a different position to the wear ridge(although I didn't bolt it back).
It remains to be seen if it lasts, but appears to be good and oil tight
My first seal lasted about 21000 miles.
If you polish the journal with 1200 grade dry (and apply some graphogen grease to it first
The seal will have a nice soft bed to get started on.
Good luck

[Furgonzo]

Thanks for all the replies! It's the front crankshaft seal (rear of the van) that is the problem...I'll for sure go with the later, more expensive seal as I'm sick of replacing it.