QuestionI have a 1997 Subaru Impreza Outback. Two years ago, I had my crank and cam seals replaced, along with my timing belt and water pump. I now seem to be having the same problem that caused me to have the seals replaced--after driving on the highway, oil has been leaking and smoking. Is it unusual for these seals to wear out after just two years and about 20,000 miles (Was at 88,818 at the time of repair, am at about 112,000 now)? Is it dangerous to not have this replaced again?
AnswerUnfortunately, your oil leak and smoke my not be coming from the front of the same seals you had replaced 20,000 miles ago. It would not be uncommon for the valve cover gaskets to leak, the cylinder head gaskets, rear cam shaft seal, rear main engine seal, or rear separator cover. Just a guess, but I would almost bet you have a leak at the back of the motor at the rear main seal or the rear separator plate causing your problem. If that's it, then the transmission will have to come out to fix that leak. And, if that's it, you should consider having both parts replaced even if only one is leaking - could save you alot of money on labor later if the part not leaking begins to leak later.
If it is the seals at the front of the motor again, they probably were not done right, and they probably are out of warranty and you may have to pay again to fix the problem. Most of the time, when those seals are replaced, they do not leak again for quite some time - like another 80,000 miles.
Should you replace any of the leaking seals? In many cases, there is no danger in allowing a small amount of oil to leak; but, if you are having to add oil between oil changes, or if there is smoke, or if the smell or drip bothers you enough, I think it is worth repairing. Also, there is always a risk of fire if oil is dripping on something hot like the exhaust. Very rare, but we see it. And since you are seeing smoke, then the oil is probably leaking onto the hot exhaust.
