Crankshaft Seal Leak

Evo Cymru

Member
Messages
688
Morning all,

So on preparing my 2006 GS for its annual spring service I have noticed that I have a slight leak (few drops) that I'm pretty certain is coming from the main crankshaft seal. I believe this can be a common failure in our cars, especially if they are not used regularly - though I do try to use mine as often as possible.

My question for the Maserati Massive, prior to getting some quotes for a fix, is how big a job would replacement be? Is it engine out job (and thus a chance for other jobs) or can it be accessed if you remove the front bumper/rad? Anyone had this done and have any idea of cost?

As always, thanks for any advice,

Olly
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,594
So we assume it’s the front seal and not the rear.

I have a dismantled engine in my shed, I’ll have a look at the timing cover to see how it works but pretty certain the timing case has to come off which is a big job. Sure it can be done in situ but is time consuming.
 

Gp79

Member
Messages
1,393
See below, there is a post on a DIY front cover removal and replacement recently to change a few o-rings, so it is possible for the DIYer but quite daunting.

If you’re removing front cover you would replace the valve cover gaskets and might as well do the variatior oil filters.

5A89AFA9-CB62-4630-BCF4-2B79BEFDCD92.jpg
 

Evo Cymru

Member
Messages
688
So we assume it’s the front seal and not the rear.

I have a dismantled engine in my shed, I’ll have a look at the timing cover to see how it works but pretty certain the timing case has to come off which is a big job. Sure it can be done in situ but is time consuming.

Sorry - yes front. Any imput would be useful - if timing cover needs to be removed would be easier just to remove the engine?
 

Evo Cymru

Member
Messages
688
See below, there is a post on a DIY front cover removal and replacement recently to change a few o-rings, so it is possible for the DIYer but quite daunting.

If you’re removing front cover you would replace the valve cover gaskets and might as well do the variatior oil filters.

View attachment 48301

Thanks - good call on the variator oil filters. Would the GS benefit from the variator mod (as per the later GT cars) or are they not affected by this?
 

Gp79

Member
Messages
1,393
The GS / 4200 already have the non return valves in the cam caps, if might be worth fit new valves if they’re sensible money

I changed my variator oil filters when I did the rocket cover gaskets, they had a tiny bit of sh1t in them at 66k miles
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,594
Yep concur. The seal on the timing case is pushed from the outside, not the inside.

BD407A0B-CFF2-4083-9F4E-610453CC6443.jpg


Reverse:

3052E8CC-EEF3-42B5-9615-CA51A5BB025B.jpg


Front:

F89CD049-93EC-43F4-A855-CDA056F921AB.jpg
 

Evo Cymru

Member
Messages
688
Cheers for that fellas - most useful. I couldn't find the recent thread of the front cover change - can someone point me in the right direction please?

Would imagine once the cover is out it would be quite straightforward to replace the seal and tidy up other stuff too - will probably get some quotes for the work and see how tempted I am to have a go - famous last words!

Olly
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,594
So, if you 'CAN' remove the crank pulley it should be a relatively simply replacement.

I suppose it all hinges on if you can lock the crank pulley but assume a windy gun is needed and to get access, you need to remove the rads, which intern you will need to remove the front bumper, which in turn means you have to remove the headlights, which in turn means it will be a b@stard :(

Check for the thread on the crank nut, it may be left handed due to the rotation.
 

Evo Cymru

Member
Messages
688
So, if you 'CAN' remove the crank pulley it should be a relatively simply replacement.

I suppose it all hinges on if you can lock the crank pulley but assume a windy gun is needed and to get access, you need to remove the rads, which intern you will need to remove the front bumper, which in turn means you have to remove the headlights, which in turn means it will be a b@stard :(

Check for the thread on the crank nut, it may be left handed due to the rotation.

Thanks - I did think this would be the case which would indeed be a mighty pain in the ****.... However I do like a good project to work on - hmmm tempting! On the other hand, the summer is coming and I want to be out driving....
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,594
If you can brace the crank pulley you might get away with it.

You could consider welding the crank pulley to some sort of bracket.

I have a spare pulley if you knacker yours.

Industrial stilsons would be my first port of call though or they may be a hole in the pulley you can put a lever through to stop the rotation.

put some rubber round the pulley first so you don't destroy the belt groves.
 

Evo Cymru

Member
Messages
688
If you can brace the crank pulley you might get away with it.

You could consider welding the crank pulley to some sort of bracket.

I have a spare pulley if you knacker yours.

Industrial stilsons would be my first port of call though or they may be a hole in the pulley you can put a lever through to stop the rotation.

put some rubber round the pulley first so you don't destroy the belt groves.

Good advice there thanks - will update when I decide what to do.