Club 80-90 Forums

Hi guys not been here for a while but in need of a little help. The van has sprung an oil leak, it seems to be coming from behind the crank pulley somewhere, any ideas where its leaking from, plus how big a job I could be looking at. I'm not very mechanical minded so trying to work out best way to go with it. Thanks guys.

Crankshaft pulley seal
Not a big job
Remove belt
Remove pulley
Dig out seal
Replace seal
Haynes has a good step by step guide though.
Use only quality seals

I might add leaks from here can last for years before any attention os needed

Is the engine dry around the base of the breather tower and the fuel pump?
If not, then reseal those first and degrease engine thoroughly. If still leaking i.e. back of pulley wet and slinging oil, then its a quick job to remove pulley and renew a fivers worth if oil seal.

Thanks guys. I was fearing this could be an engine out job
This has been leaking now for a good 3 years but has now started to dump lots of oil the last week or so.

It could also be the oil pressure sender (a bit to the left of the crank pulley as your looking at it from the rear).
Fiddly to get at but all in all not a big job.

^^^ if it is a later one...

Ok guys, if it is any of the above problems am I correct in thinking that these problems can be repaired without removing the engine? Thanks again.

Firstly yes you can do this without removing the engine.
But let's be clear here, removing a VW rear engine is not a big deal.
VW made it so easy.
With minimal tools and hassle.