After starting up this long time parker I noticed a drip, Motor oil from the front of the motor close the the vac pump .Im not positive its the crank seal but if it is what am I in for in replacing it? Any other possible culpriepts for the drip ,the valve cover looks OK.

Front Crank seal a DIY Job?


It could be the power steering. A front P/S seal leak would throw fluid onto the pump.

A front crank seal leak will definitely pool up on the oil pan and upper lip.

Clean the area and check the drip / spray pattern directly after your next trip.

The front crank seal can be done in an evening after work if you have everything set up, ready to go. Pics in the link.

Hey jt20 thanks for your input ,I remember that the ps fluid can get pretty cruddy looking and resemble motor oil ,never looked in the resorvoir .Ill check it out in the morning.

Ive know eleminated the vac pump , steering pump, and front main seal as sources for the leak ,it seems top be coming from under the air cleaner and finding its way to the front of the motor .Im guessing the injection pump seal.Hopefully Ill have this old girl on the road next week.A 1984 190D with the auto trannie should be a good commuter for the Houston area.

an '84 190d is a good commuter in any city ; )


sorry about the leak. Can you make a good guess about the fluid?

I had a nasty diesel leak for the past 2 weeks, but I was chasing oil the whole time. The diesel doesn't smell as strong as you would expect sometimes.

"under the air cleaner and onto the front of the motor".... check out your fuel fittings on the filter housing. Loosen each and snug it up (repeat a few times).. if you see wetness there.

good luck.

oh, also... check your hood for a spray pattern.