Oil leak mystery?

[D1LL0N]

I just put a new top end on my 1998 Ford Ranger (4cyl. auto) and this oil leak is giving me grief. It seems to be leaking from the crankshaft seal. I already replaced those seals 2 times. Every time I put it back together and turn it over oil starts to seep out of some place behind the crankshaft pulley. Anyone ran into this? thanks

 

[Mark_88]

Well, I've just finished about two months of hide-and-go-seek with an oil leak that turned out to be the timing belt tension peg on the front of the engine...it wasn't a very big leak but would drain my oil on a daily basis...turned out I left the peg about five turns out to clear the belt cover and it was coming out there...

It could also be your valve cover gasket...slide your hand along the back end of the VC (use a rag) and see if there is any oil there...

 

[LearjetMinako]

I had a similar leak on my 96 Ranger 2.3L. Turned out to be the oil pump. I replaced all the seal at first, but it kept leaking. It still leaked, so I replaced the whole oil pump and the leak went away. On the 2.3/2.5, the oil pump is driven by the timing belt. And when it leaks, it appears to be a crank seal leak.

 

[D1LL0N]

Replaced the seal again. I am thinking it was a nice mix of a bunch of things going wrong as I have about 40 miles on it now and its running great...but now my tranny is hard shifting. hah..when it rains it pours...I am thinking a 5spd conversion is in order. thanks for the help.