T6 front crankshaft oil seal leak (or something else?)

[T619]

Hi all, my T6 has recently started leaking oil from around the area of the crankshaft pulley. Someone told me it could be the oil seal or a different cause like a couple of loose bolts somewhere above. It only actually leaks when it is running but it collects in the engine tray and is quite a leak. If left running after I've wiped it clean it starts as a line of oil coming from what looks like the sump gasket but soon becomes a couple of lines of oil and then drips off the sump.

I've attached a couple of photos and a vid (or will have done in an hour or so of posting this).

My questions are could this leak be something other than the oil seal and any tips or recommendations on honest and reasonably priced repairers please?

The van is currently near the Bucks and Middlesex border (Denham/Beaconsfield) and I was/am about to sell it but it's low mileage and a great drive with Body, Interior, BHP and Cruise Control upgrades so I'd rather fix, keep and use for longer if I can find a good repairer and price.

 

[T619]

Photos...

 

[Dellmassive]

That look very bad ..

The crank seal normally weeps oil .. that looks like it's pouring out.

Unless it's been going on for a long time?

 

[Dellmassive]

Here's mine for reference....

Post in thread '@Dellmassive`s T6 T32 Sportline 204 LWB DSG PV MY18 - Van Adventure'

7 Mar 2023

61k - Engine oil leak ( front main crankshaft seal ) - FOC under warranty

26/01/2023​

61289

£0.00

front crankshaft oil seal replaced - warranty (oil leak)

this was highlighted when looking at the power steering rack low oil above.

this was visible from behind the drivers side wheel . .





@Loz was bang on and diagnosing the front crankshaft seal as leaking . . .








this was confirmed by the dealer while it was in for the service above. . .

it...

• Dellmassive

• 

 

[T619]

Thanks Dellmassive, maybe it's not the seal at all then, or if it is then it has completely collapsed.

At this stage not sure where the source of the oil leak is, or what the cause is, yet, as it's just recently started, but I'm having it checked later in week so might know more then.

 

[PhillH]

Does look like the cranks seal but never seen one leak as bad as that before. Please let us know what the outcome is.
I would get the auxiliary belt changed too as that looks to be contaminated with oil.

 

[T619]

I hope it's my forensic photographic survey skills making it look so bad - which obviously far outweigh my mechanical knowledge or skills But I certainly will update with the outcome PhillH! Cheers...

 

[Dellmassive]

Id check the oil level daily until you get it to the garage.

That must be making a right mess of your driveway.

Keep us posted and get as many photos as you can.

 

[T619]

Update, it was a cracked or split crank seal which I've now had done along with a new timing belt kit etc and new MOT.

So next issue is the reversing camera and sensors work sometimes and other times not so well. By that I mean like today for example when I got in and started it with the dash screen off and put it in reverse the screen came on with the reversing view as it should but within seconds that view sort of broke up with lines and then it switched to the outline of the rear of the van on the screen and did the beep beep beep bit as I reversed. Sometimes (or most of the time now) the camera view doesn't come on at all and it does the outline of van and beep beep beep thing - however, and in case this is a clue or symptom anyone recognises, it stays on that outline view and continues to beep for several seconds after I take it out of reverse and put it in first. The screen also looks like it has water or liquid behind it at the top when it's off but it doesn't and the whole display looks fine when on. Any ideas?

 

[T619]

Here's what the screen looks like and the top edge, especially on right, looks like there's liquid or something. Didn't notice it last year, just since starting to use it again since sometime in March, and it was sitting over winter. But the reversing camera view issues mentioned above started last year but seem worse now. In fact today was the first time it went to reversing camera view since starting to use again. Prior to today's camera view offering, this year (like three or four drives) it has only been showing the outline of van pic and the beep beep beep thing but then not turning off for a few seconds after engaging first gear.

 

[PhillH]

Glad you got your leak fixed.

Looking at the screen, is it ok when being used as a radio? Sounds like a loose connection to me

 

[T619]

It seemed to be fine with all the other features like maps last year when I was using it and was only giving issues with the reversing stuff. I haven't been using the radio so I'll try it tomorrow. In case it is a connection issue do you happen to know which connections (or where abouts) I should check please?

The interior is fully customised (Kombi conversion/upgraded) and carpeted and lined etc and the previous owner said he'd secured some wiring that was noisy and so annoying him, so it might have something to do with it, but I think he meant the wiring for the interior lighting.

 

[T619]

Hi PhillH,

Display seems fine with radio on as per photos below...

...and I know it looks like it needs dusting but the sun and location makes it look a lot dustier than it actually is

 

[PhillH]

Strange, if you pull your radio out you should find the camera connection. The camera will be connected in the tailgate / barn doors if you remove the panel you should get access. Failing that it could be a broken wire.

Shame you do not have another radio to connect up and test.

 

[T619]

Thanks I'll check those tomorrow. By the radio do you mean the dash screen etc which it all gets displayed on and if so do you know how I pull it out so I can check the connections please?

What I'll do is run a temp cable system between the camera and the disabled unit once zi have access to both connectors to see if the system works as it should then.

 

[PhillH]

Yeah the actual head unit itself. Search on google and you will find instructions on removing it. If you run a temporary cable from front to back to test it that would be ideal.