How often have any of you seen the front crankshaft seal leak?

I don't think I have a leak, but I just want to make sure since I will be replacing the valve cover gasket and the timing chain cover gasket and if there is a possibility that it could leak in the near future, I want to go ahead and replace the front crankshaft seal.

Vehicle: '86 300E
Engine: M103
Miles: 112000

Thank you.

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1986 300E (3/2002) Rear ended and totaled (10/2009)
2000 Xterra (5/2000)
1992 400E (11/2009) -Sold
1986 300E (12/2009) - Sold
2004 E500 Wagon (6/2013) - Sold

they can leak.

but with the stated mileage in your signature i would be surprised if yours will anytime soon unless the oil changes have been neglected so much that you have badly worn bearings.

badly worn bearings will force oil past seals because there will be so much spilling out the sides of the bearings that the seals arent designed to deal with it and you have a leak.

but the usual way is that the seal just eventaully wears a groove in the seal/spacer on the front of the crank.

changing the front seal isnt too bad of a job either, so unless you have bad oil pressure or some other reason to expect premature seal failure, i wouldnt worry about it.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.