[poncho-mike]

I've got a high mileage 2002 Saturn Vue with the 2.2L Ecotec hooked to a 5-spd manual. It recently developed a very nasty oil leak at the front oil seal. The leak came on very quickly.

I pulled the harmonic balancer off, and was surprised when the seal came off with the hub. I checked the fit of the seal to the timing chain hub, and it was not a press fit. I ordered a FelPro replacement seal, TCS 46112. The replacement seal appears identical to the original. It is a snug fit, but definitely not a press fit.

I'm not sure what to do here. I checked the timing chain cover, and there doesn't appear to be any grooves in the mating surface. I watched one youtube video where someone mentioned using a sealant on the seal. I also found a video that stated PTFE seals should be put on dry.

Has anybody ever encountered this on a Ecotec engine? Looking for any advice here, the car is torn down and I'm trying to get it back together.

[mgarblik]

I have not run into this on an Ecotech engine. But I have on a couple Honda/Acura engines. It is possible that seal has "spun" some in the timing cover, polishing it and making it a tiny bit larger. On the Honda engines I cleaned the heck out of the cover and the seal. I put a film of RTV on the OD of the seal and installed it. Always grease the ID of the seal so the balancer does not stick to it. No issues for me.

[poncho-mike]

Thanks for the response.

I ran my fingernail across the surface the OD of the seal contacts. I couldn't detect a groove, but there was a slight difference in the surface.

After I ran into this, I called a number of guys who were mechanics. One guy recommended Permatex High Tack adhesive 80062 or Threebond (he didn't specify which product). Another guy recommended Permatex Ultra-Black. Any thoughts on which one has the highest shear strength? Below is an image of the two recommended sealants.

I also shot an image of the seal surface. The seal has small ribs on the OD.

[Ashley P]

Beware of restricted/clogged crankcase vent systems. Some cars (Traverse?) the vent gathers condensation, then on a cold day it freezes, and instantly there is no vent for blow by. Immediate seal failure is the result.

Either sealant would suffice to "tighten" your seal OD clearance.

[gman005]

How much in a new cover? Maybe buy a new one check fitment. If it is the same send it back. Just a thought.

[poncho-mike]

Thanks for the feedback.

I asked a friend of mine who is a mechanic what he recommended. He said to use Toyota Seal Packing 103, which appears to be some type of RTV type adhesive sealant. I installed the new seal and waited a few days to crank the car. After running it for about 30 minutes at a fast idle, I took it for about a short drive. I saw no leakage once I got back.

So far, no issues.

[salem1912]

Is internal crankcase pressure blowing the seal out? PCV system working. I sometimes installed the seal and with a center punch dimple the case in 4 spots to hold the seal in place. Be care with internal pressure as if the frt seal holds you may blow out the rear seal.