Nissan Repair: Crankshaft seal leak, crankshaft pulley, crankshaft seal

Question
Howzit Calvin,

You helped me with my 94 hardbody ka24e before, so I hope you can help me again. For some freaky reason, my crankshaft pulley came loose while I was driving. The belts held the pulley and the bolt was still there, but I thought the woodruff key flew out, so I bought a new one and tried reinstalling the pulley. After a couple of tries, I found that the old woodruff key was caught in the back between the seal and front cover. It gouged up the crankshaft portion between the pulley and seal. I couldn't see the condition of the front seal though. I reinstalled the pulley ok after that. I have an oil leak now - enough to where I don't want to park on someone's driveway. I needed to add a quart after 400 miles. Is nicking up that part of the crankshaft my problem or could it be that the seal is broke? Am I screwed and have to replace the crankshaft?  It's my daily driver, but I'm not going to be able to replace the crankshaft myself and I'm scared to think what a shop would charge.  Mahalo.

Answer
Hi Jon -

I would remove the pulley again and check the seal. I am thinking the key damaged the rubber only, as the shaft is hard to mess up. You can replace the seal quite easily using a pick to remove it. Also check the timing cover for damage. If it is distorted, that will also cause leaks.

I am crossing my fingers for you. Hopefully the crank is undisturbed.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin