oil leak from the harmonic balancer

[rsumser]

I have a slight oil leak out of my harmonic balancer bolt. got it after I changed my front main seal. not the front main seal now as the pan and front of the motor are dry. its coming out of the bolt hole. any idea as to why or how to fix it?

 

[adsm08]

When you put the bolt back in the crank did you put some RTV on the washer?

 

[rsumser]

no I did not. was I supposed to?

 

[adsm08]

Yes. You are supposed to put a dab between the washer and the balancer in line with the keyway or oil can come up between the crank and the balancer and leak out the bolt.

 

[rsumser]

ah I see. so can I just pull off the pulley and remove the bolt and do this to the back of the washer? or do I pull the balancer and put it on the crank? or on the balancer? pardon my lack of knowing I just would hate to end up with a chunk of sealant in my oil pan lol.

 

[adsm08]

You only need to take the bolt and the washer off, the balancer should be able to stay on. Just take the bolt out, pop the washer out, and then run a light bead the whole way around.

The sealant is too thick to run back and get in the oil pan.

 

[rsumser]

cool man thanks a ton. what do you suggest for a balls strong sealant?

 

[adsm08]

I usually use Permatex black or Motorcraft TA-29 grey. Depends on where I am working.

 

[rsumser]

sweet thanks man