Markyboy uk

What would be a reasonable amount of time needed for a "competant" mechanic (Not necessarily one who works on Subaru's) to diagnose a worn crank or cam seal(s)?
I ask because my car is booked in to have the source of an oil leak identified. I have an extended warranty on the car (not with Subaru) and the replacement of engine oil seals is covered, however, the investigative work to find the source of the oil leak isn't covered. How long should it take for a decent mechanic to remove the timing belt and check & confirm for leaks around crank/cam seals?
Don't want to get stung for more labour hours than it should take.
I'm fairly sure from reading other posts that it is the crank seal on its way out. Cars on 76K and I know this is a common fault on Subarus.

Thanks
Mark.

Jolly Green Monster

iTrader: (4)

hour would be ample imho..

loosen alternator, remove alternator belt.

Remove crank pulley bolt and use a puller to remove crank pulley..
undo and remove cam covers..

should then be obvious at that point.. altohugh it if not a bad leak then might need to remove the crank sprocket which I haven't done but cannot see it being that difficult.

If it is leaking oil at the front middle of the engine then it is mostlikely crank seal.

Markyboy uk

JGM comes to my assistance - AGAIN! .

Thanks mate, approx. 1 hour is what I had in mind.

It is leaking at the front middle of the engine - although not much. Just a tad concerned it might get on the timing belt. Would you advise that I get the cam seals changed at the same time regardless they look like they need changing or not? Any idea how much longer it should take to replace them?

Thanks again
Mark.

Jolly Green Monster

iTrader: (4)

I had the front crank seal changed by the dealer at 104k and the cambelt changed at the same time as a precaution.

left the cam seals.. at 149,000miles I replaced the cambelt and found one cam seal to be leaking which I replaced. Now on nearly 154k and no leaks.. phew..

I wouldn't bother if not leaking.

I would change the cambelt if I were changing the crank seal probably as presume it must be due at 90k or fairly soon on time? no point revisiting in 14k..

www.camskill.com sell them at very good price if you need to supply it, which is what I fitted.

Markyboy uk

Yes belt's due at 90K - will get belt done at the same time as seal. Thanks for the link.

Mark.

Leslie

Most garages will replace the front crank seal at the same time as the Cam belt. Not expensive ar far as the seal is concerned. Certainly worth doing the cambelt at the same time as you say.

Les