Oil seeping from the prop seal

[isaacpr7]

I've had a prop seal leak for some time but not bad enough that it was a concern. I had it replaced last week because I'm flying at night more often and I could not see clearly during landings because of the thin oily film on the windshield. After it was replaced I flew the aircraft a few days later on a 9 hour cross country. During the first 4.5 hours I didn't notice any leaks. On my way back I noticed it began to leak and by the time I put her to bed I noticed the seal was there again. Has this happened to anyone before? Thoughts?

 

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[N201MKTurbo]

Are you talking about the front crankshaft seal, the o ring on the prop flange or the prop blades?

[isaacpr7]

Are you talking about the front crankshaft seal, the o ring on the prop flange or the prop blades?

Yes, the crankshaft seal O ring.

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[TheTurtle]

let us know what you find.  Im supposed to change mine next month.  really dont want to take the prop off twice

[Yetti]

taking proper care to not hurt yourself....   you can feel the seal with one finger then move the prop with the other and see if it spins.   If it does you need to redo it.

[Yetti]

I had a leak that I thought was the crank seal, but was the drain back hose on the cylinder head.   They need to be tightened ever so often, but the oil usually goes down, no up on the wind screen

[carusoam]

There is a split replacement seal that can be applied without having to take the prop off...

But something seams to have ruined two seals already..?

The prop shaft seal is only keeping the splashed oil from getting out.  It isn't seeing much pressure...

Make sure we are discussing the same thing....

Best regards,

-a-

[Yetti]

From the grumpy IA.   The last one may have spun for awhile and oversized the case.   They make an oversized seal for that application

[isaacpr7]

taking proper care to not hurt yourself....   you can feel the seal with one finger then move the prop with the other and see if it spins.   If it does you need to redo it.

Did what you suggested and it did not spin. The left side was pretty dry but the right side was very wet.

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[isaacpr7]

There is a split replacement seal that can be applied without having to take the prop off...
But something seams to have ruined two seals already..?
The prop shaft seal is only keeping the splashed oil from getting out.  It isn't seeing much pressure...
Make sure we are discussing the same thing....
Best regards,
-a-

It's the seal behind where the prop attaches to. It has a spring that is installed in it. I'm beginning to suspect that maybe there's another source. I'll wash the area down really good and fly her to the MX to try pin pointing the source.

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[isaacpr7]

From the grumpy IA.   The last one may have spun for awhile and oversized the case.   They make an oversized seal for that application

Thanks for the suggestion Yetti. I'll bring that up to the MX.

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[isaacpr7]

These pics are terrible and you can't see the oil well enough because of the flash but here they are. I also can't take a pic directly of the seal.

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[carusoam]

Great photos!

Maybe @M20Doc can see something there or offer advice...?

Best regards,

-a-

[Guest]

8 hours ago, isaacpr7 said:

These pics are terrible and you can't see the oil well enough because of the flash but here they are. I also can't take a pic directly of the seal.

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From your first picture, the inside of the ring gear support does not appear to be wet with oil??  A leaking crankshaft seal will usually leave oil in the support.

Wash the engine down with some 100 LL and a blast of compressed air.  Spray the area in question with some Arid Extra dry antiperspirant  which leaves a dry white powder film behind and will help you find the source of the oil leak.

Clarence

 

[Yetti]

The O ring on the shaft may have got nicked when the prop was put back on.....

[isaacpr7]

From your first picture, the inside of the ring gear support does not appear to be wet with oil??  A leaking crankshaft seal will usually leave oil in the support.
Wash the engine down with some 100 LL and a blast of compressed air.  Spray the area in question with some Arid Extra dry antiperspirant  which leaves a dry white powder film behind and will help you find the source of the oil leak.
Clarence
 

Awesome! I will give that a shot. Thanks a bunch.

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[isaacpr7]

From your first picture, the inside of the ring gear support does not appear to be wet with oil??  A leaking crankshaft seal will usually leave oil in the support.
Wash the engine down with some 100 LL and a blast of compressed air.  Spray the area in question with some Arid Extra dry antiperspirant  which leaves a dry white powder film behind and will help you find the source of the oil leak.
Clarence
 

I sprayed Arid as you suggested and it worked like a charm The leak is coming from the prop seal still. I will be ordering the oversized seal. Do you know what the oversized seal part number is by any chance?

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