3 replies to this topic

[MiniMonty]

Hi all,

I've got a persistent oil leak and it's apparently coming from the half moon seal.
I've never heard of this and don't know where it is - so all and any info much appreciated.
(lots of details please - I want to be able to get down there and see it).

I'm told it's an "engine out" job to fix it (which I don't relish) so does anyone have another view
or is this just a bald fact ?

Best wishes
Monty

[mini_mad69]

Hi all,

I've got a persistent oil leak and it's apparently coming from the half moon seal.
I've never heard of this and don't know where it is - so all and any info much appreciated.
(lots of details please - I want to be able to get down there and see it).

I'm told it's an "engine out" job to fix it (which I don't relish) so does anyone have another view
or is this just a bald fact ?

Best wishes
Monty

To replace it, you have to remove the engine from the gearbox, so yes, engine out job.


It sits between the block and the gearbox at the radiator end. Behind the timing plate.






Here is a picture of mine not seated properly. (its the black half moon shaped seal)

[miniobsessed]

The half moon seal sits between the front main bearing cap and the front of the gearbox. It's tucked away behind the front plate of the engine for the timing chain.

It is certainly an engine out job to replace it Though I have seen people 'fill' that whole area with automotive silicone as a stop gap measure. When you do replace it I would recommend finding a steel backed half moon seal as in my experience these seal better for longer.

I'd be tempted to have a really good look before doing anything though... Half moon seals generally won't fail unless there is a reason (improper fitting, etc...). As the timing chain cover is so close and these are notorious for leaking I would check this first. This can be done with the engine in the car though you will need to remove the radiator and fan and even then it's a tight squeeze (especially to get the front enigne pulley off). After everything's off and you've cleaned the gasket surfaces, make sure the timing chain cover is actually flat where it sits on the engine as quite often they are warped and this causes an oil leak. Replace the seal that runs on the crankshaft at the same time When refitting, push the cover home on the crank before tightening the bolts to ensure it's centralised and don't do the retining bolts up to tight as this will warp the cover causing it to leak...

Good luck!

[Pigeonto]

Hi all,

I've got a persistent oil leak and it's apparently coming from the half moon seal.
I've never heard of this and don't know where it is - so all and any info much appreciated.
(lots of details please - I want to be able to get down there and see it).

I'm told it's an "engine out" job to fix it (which I don't relish) so does anyone have another view
or is this just a bald fact ?

Best wishes
Monty

I noticed something on Minispares ref part no.GUG708014TS which states it can befitted without separating box/engine??