oil leaking

[notnowles]

Hi JD350B,

Thank you for your response, and suggestion.

I would be curious as to whether or not you have ever replaced the head gasket?

The reason I thought I should change the crank seal was what you rightly called grease was behind that lower cover down around the crank pulley area.

Not all that much really, but still...

Anyway, it wasn't until after I got further into the job that I realized that the greasy build up actually trailed from higher up. Then I saw some more of the same sitting on the block ledge next to the head.

So, I think it's the head gasket, rather than the crank seal that is leaking a little bit.

The car has never been apart before or had the head gasket replaced, and I gather from what I have read that the head gasket is a problem with this engine.

Clearly the leak is really minor at this point. I am just wondering what the odds might be that it could suddenly get a lot worse.

Maybe I worry too much!

Thanks again.

[jd350b]

I also had a little bit of "grease" toward the top but not nearly as much at the bottom.

No, I have not done the head on this engine. 2001 with 150K and the only engine issue was the water pump. It's all back together and runs great...no leaks.

The new Chrysler drive train warranty actually covers the water pump, timing belt and head gasket

...maybe I'll trade her in

let us know what you decide on the head gasket