Intermittent oil leak MEP 803

[dpmoxford]

Wanted to see if anybody had any idea on why my generator leaks oil from the front seal behind crank pulley intermittently. Never leaks a whole lot and only every couple days when running continuously during power outage. Thank you in advance for any information.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Probably due to thermal heating/cooling cycles wearing down the seal... I've had a few machines that require a new front crank seal. Your oil viscosity must be lessened due to extended run lengths, so a small deformation is allowing the newly thinned oil to seep slightly.

New seals can be had, and aren't very expensive... just a time consuming job to pull radiator and metal shroud assy to give you access to the business end of the engine.

 

[dpmoxford]

Thank you for the information. Changed the oil yesterday, still no power here so I am currently having to run generator. Will changing the oil stop the leaking if seal is still in good shape? Also will running the generator with occasional leak hurt anything?

 

[Mullaney]

Thank you for the information. Changed the oil yesterday, still no power here so I am currently having to run generator. Will changing the oil stop the leaking if seal is still in good shape? Also will running the generator with occasional leak hurt anything?

.
My opinion is that an occasional drip isn't a bad thing - except for the mess it creates. Just check your oil regularly (daily) and you should be just fine. Having to run it to maintain power means pushing maintenance until you get grid power back... That shouldn't cause you any serious problems.

 

[dpmoxford]

Thank you.

 

[dpmoxford]

Any trusted sources for the seal other than green mountain?

 

[Light in the Dark]

Not OEM: https://www.ebay.com/itm/152982740160

OEM: https://www.ebay.com/itm/404375094225

 

[Light in the Dark]

Thank you for the information. Changed the oil yesterday, still no power here so I am currently having to run generator. Will changing the oil stop the leaking if seal is still in good shape? Also will running the generator with occasional leak hurt anything?

Its a tension band seal, so its just got some manner of deformation or leakage... thin oil just points it out. Run it as is for now, and put it on your mental list to change out when you can. It may never fail... it might fail at the worst possible time. Its fine for now though to get you through, or should be.

 

[Ray70]

Go with the OEM seal in my opinion.
I've use aftermarket replacements before and the OD was a little smaller than OEM, making it fit loose in the front cover, to the point that I had to "glue" it in with a bead of silicone just to hold it in place, supposed to be a light press fit, like any other lip seal.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Always go OEM if you can. The price difference is negligible on this particular part, so its a no brainer to me.

 

[dpmoxford]

Thank yall for all the help. Greatly appreciated.