Subaru Repair: Subaru leaking seals, twin cam engine, oil seperator

Question
Some one else mentioned leaking seals, and I have the same problem on my '99 Forester.  I would like to know where these seals are, and what they entail to repair them.  Also, how great is the danger to keep driving, assuming I keep my eye on the oil level,

Thanks,
seth

Answer
Hello Seth,

   No harm can really be done with them leaking, other than the fact that they will get worse. You will need special tools to repair the seals, Especially if you have the twin cam engine. I recommend someone do them that has experience with these twin cam engines. If the timing belt is not installed correctly it can and will bend valves. If it is a single cam, the timing belt is easier to do, but still requires special tools to get the job done properly. There are many seals that could be leaking if not all of them. There is 1 crank seal, and 4 cam seals on the twin cam engine. On the single cam, there is 1 crank seal, 2 cam seals, and 2 cam o-rings. There is also an oil seperator cover that tends to leak from the rear of the engine. (between the engine and tranny) You need to seperate the engine and tranny and remove the flywheel to access this cover. I recommend having someone look at it, and find out which seals are leaking. I really hope this helps you.

                     Thanks,
                       Frank