Vehicle Modifications - Rear Engine Seal

Sealing The Bell Housing

Sealing The Bell Housing to keep the sand out and the oil in

While travelling on high centred sandy tracks all Subaru models seem to scoop up sand through the bell housing inspection plate gap. It can happen on your car's first sand trip and with the Club's Desert trip later this year, it is one of those jobs that should be done. Once the sand is in the bell housing the centrifugal force of the spinning flywheel forces the sand around the rear engine crank shaft seal, which in turn causes the seal to start leaking and can eventually oil up the clutch plate.

The oil usually drips out through the offending inspection cover plate and first announces its presence by an acrid burning smell as it lands on the exhaust pipe strategically placed underneath. Next come the puddles of oil each time you park. Once started, the leak rapidly gets worse as the sand chews out the rear engine seal. Replacing the rear seal requires major surgery - removal of the engine and/or gearbox from the vehicle to gain access.

Prevention is better than cure !

There are 2 ways of doing the job, the first way is when the motor or gearbox is removed, you have easy access to the plate. Make sure the whole area is clean, seal up the front gap on the engine first with silicone sealant and then when the engine is bolted back to the gearbox, but before it is sifting back in place, seal around the removable plate.

The second way is harder but can be carried out with some patience. First loosen off the engine and gearbox mounts, engine strut brace, and if you need more clearance, the radiator hoses are removed. Then jack or lift the engine enough so you can gain access with your hand to do the sealing in the same way as the first method.

A messy job, but better than a weekend spent pulling gearboxes or engines out.

Disclaimer: Technical information given or disclosed in this website is given with the best intent and is advisory only. No responsibility is taken by the the Subaru 4WDrive Club of Queensland or its members for any damage or injury caused by any vehicle modifications made, or by the use of any products or the adoption of any procedures mentioned in this website.