Rear crankshaft oil seal replacement at 23K miles?

[Fordtruckman80]

Hey guys, i've been a member here for awhile, but do more lurking than anything else. I'm looking at a 2003 Ford Ranger Edge 4x2 w/3.0 that has 42,000 miles on it. I pulled up a carfax for it, and back in February of 09, at 23,531 miles it says the rear crankshaft oil seal was replaced. This is definitely strange to me, because that's not something that should be going out that quickly. The only TSB I can find related to seal problems on the 3.0 is the oil filter/block mating problem. Now, this truck is in near perfect shape. It has definitely been maintained, and the Carfax shows it. Anyways, I'm wondering if this is a common problem, or sign of a bad 3.0? It seems to run perfect. I've neglected to look under the truck except for the frame, but I will be returning tomorrow to take a more detailed look at the underside of the truck.

The dealership that performed the seal replacement is located in South Florida, so i'm very suspicious of their reasoning for the replacement. I am really wondering if one of the mechanics saw oil on the back of the block (From the oil filter problem?) and automatically thought rear main seal. It would not surprise me at all.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

Shaun

 

[kimcrwbr1]

It has 20 K since the seal was changed if it still has good pressure and not leaking you should be ok. Can you do a compression/leakdown and vacuum test before you buy it. That will tell you the overall health of the engine.

 

[Fordtruckman80]

Thanks for the reply. I've test driven it twice now, and it's kept great pressure, and hasn't stumbled or shown any signs of premature failure. It seems to run great, i'm just really suspicious with these things. I do plan to go in tomorrow to check all over the truck for leaks. As far as the tests, they had shown me a log from their mechanic, and each of those tests was on the sheet. Everything was in tip top shape according to the sheet. If I do decide to get it, i'm still going to do it myself after wards just to be sure.

I did a search on the dealership that performed the work, and I couldn't find a single good comment about them. I have a feeling it was a case of shoddy work and dishonesty. After I do a check tomorrow i'll post back with whatever I find. Thanks again!

 

[Rearanger]

I did a search on the dealership that performed the work, and I couldn't find a single good comment about them. I have a feeling it was a case of shoddy work and dishonesty.

Was this work done under warranty at 23k but 6 years old? Hopefully for you only dishonesty, not shoddy work. You could ask for, say, 3 month warranty on oil leaks. Sellers usually wash oil off engine so leaks not immediately visible.

 

[Fordtruckman80]

The vehicle was already out of warranty when the seal was replaced. It originally had a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.

Shoddy work was the wrong term. Basically, i'm wondering about dishonesty to a previous owner. I crawled under the truck today and looked around the bottom end of the engine, and it looks immaculate. As you said though, it could've easily been hosed down. There were however no oil leaks anywhere on the concrete where the truck has been sitting. The dealership actually asked me if I wanted to take the truck to my mechanic for an inspection. I was quite surprised by that. I am gonna get in touch with my mechanic today and see when he can work the truck in. We'll see what he finds.

 

[09ajmaros]

Taking it to a mechanic for a drive will give the oil some time to really warm up and then check for any leaks starting.
Hope everything works out for ya